Local Group
File:Andromeda and Milky Way collision.ogv Local Group is a galaxy group that includes the Milky Way, where our own solar system resides, among over 50 galaxies that are gravitationally bound together in space. The Local Group covers a diameter of approximately 10 million light-years and is a part of the Virgo Supercluster, which in turn is a component of the Laniakea Supercluster.
Composition[edit | edit source]
The Local Group is dominated by two spiral galaxies: the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). These two galaxies are the most massive members of the group. Other notable members include the Triangulum Galaxy (M33), which is the third largest and may be a gravitationally bound companion to the Andromeda Galaxy, and about 54 smaller galaxies, many of which are dwarf galaxies either in orbit around the Milky Way or Andromeda.
Milky Way's Satellites[edit | edit source]
The Milky Way itself has several satellite galaxies, including the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), along with numerous dwarf galaxies such as the Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy (Sgr dSph), the Ursa Minor Dwarf Galaxy (UMi dSph), and the Draco Dwarf Galaxy (Dra dSph).
Andromeda's Satellites[edit | edit source]
Andromeda also has a number of satellite galaxies. The most notable among these are M32, M110, and the recently discovered satellites that include dozens of dwarf galaxies.
Dynamics[edit | edit source]
The gravitational center of the Local Group is located somewhere between the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy. The two galaxies are moving towards each other and are expected to collide in approximately 4 billion years, potentially merging to form a large elliptical galaxy or a large disk galaxy.
Future[edit | edit source]
The future of the Local Group is closely tied to the interactions between its two largest galaxies. As the Milky Way and Andromeda continue to gravitate towards each other, their eventual collision and merger will significantly alter the structure of the Local Group. Over time, many of the smaller galaxies may either be assimilated into the larger galaxies or ejected from the group altogether.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
