The Andromeda Galaxy

Our closest major galaxy neighbour, home to an estimatedThe Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is a stunning sight in the cosmos. As the closest spiral galaxy to the Milky Way, it is 2.537 million light-years away. With a diameter of about 220,000 light-years and around one trillion stars, Andromeda outnumbers our galaxy's stars. Its brilliant central bulge and sweeping spiral arms are home to young blue stars and extensive gas and dust regions, serving as stellar nurseries. Andromeda is not static; it is approaching the Milky Way at high speed, projected to collide in 4.5 billion years. Its visibility has inspired many to explore astronomy, highlighting the beauty of space.