Fact Sheet
A Showy Neighbor
M31, the Andromeda galaxy, is the closest large galaxy in our celestial neighborhood, at a distance of just 2.2 million light-years. The galaxy's spiral arms are clearly visible in this telescopic view, as are red star clusters around the galaxy's edge. M31 is barely visible to the unaided eye on autumn evenings. [Credit: T.A.Rector, B.A.Wolpa/NOAO/AURA/NSF]
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