Which of the following is classified as a galaxy?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Correct Answer
Andromeda
Explanation
Andromeda is a large, barred spiral galaxy located approximately 2.5 million light-years away from Earth. It is the closest major galaxy to our own galaxy, the Milky Way, and is the most massive member of the Local Group of galaxies. Under a perfectly dark sky, the Andromeda Galaxy is one of the most distant cosmic objects that can be seen with the naked eye. The Milky Way and Andromeda are currently moving toward each other driven by gravitational attraction, and scientists estimate they will eventually collide and merge to form a single, massive elliptical galaxy in about 4.5 billion years.
Key Points
Sirius is the brightest star in the Earth's night sky, located in the constellation Canis Major. It is a binary star system, not a galaxy or a constellation.
Orion is a prominent constellation located on the celestial equator and is visible throughout the world. It is famous for its distinct pattern resembling a hunter and contains the famous Orion Nebula.
Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Bear, is a constellation in the Northern Sky. It is primarily famous for containing the North Star, Polaris, which marks the location of the north celestial pole.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Which galaxy is closest to our own Milky Way galaxy?
Answer: The Andromeda Galaxy is the closest major galaxy to the Milky Way.
Question: What type of galaxy is Andromeda based on its physical structural shape?
Answer: It is classified as a spiral galaxy (more specifically, a barred spiral galaxy)