archive / atlas record
Andromeda Galaxy
The nearest large galaxy to the Milky Way.
- classification
- Spiral galaxy
- system
- Local Group
Andromeda is a large spiral galaxy gravitationally bound within the Local Group and expected to interact with the Milky Way over billions of years.
- Class
- Spiral galaxy
- Location / system
- Local Group
- Distance
- About 2.5 million light-years from Earth
Only values with an established scientific consensus are listed. Where a quantity is uncertain or model-dependent, it is discussed in the sections below rather than stated as data.
Overview (starter entry, expanded review pending)
Andromeda is a large spiral galaxy gravitationally bound within the Local Group and expected to interact with the Milky Way over billions of years.
Imaging, redshift and distance indicators
Andromeda Galaxy's morphology is mapped across wavelengths; spectra establish motion and composition, while distance estimates use calibrated indicators appropriate to its range.
- What remains least constrained about Andromeda Galaxy?Composition, internal structure, formation history or local environment can require different observations and may remain model-dependent.
Items above are unresolved. Hypotheses are labelled as such and are not presented as confirmed findings.
NASA/IPAC // verified 28 September 2026
CDS Strasbourg // verified 28 September 2026