The Milky Way from the Andromeda Galaxy: Edge-on, Spiral, or In-Between?

[Fozzie]

If an observer on the Andromeda galaxy looked back at us, how would the Milky Way galaxy look to him? Edge-on, spiral face on, or in between?

 

[marcus]

It depends on whether the constellation Andromeda is in the Milkyway band of stars. As I recall, it is more or less. Therefore he would see us edge on (if that is true).

Yes. Look!
http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/afoe/And.html

This map shows the band of the Milkyway, and it also shows a dot where the Andr. galaxy is. It is not right exactly in the band, but rather close.

It is within 15 degrees of the center of the band. 15 degrees is a fairly small angle. So he would not see us exactly edge on, but with a slight tilt of 15 degrees.

 

[cepheid]

Andromeda (m31) is about 20 degrees below the Galactic plane. So, I assume that, looking back along that line of sight , you'd see the MW as somewhere between edge-on and face on, but closer to edge on.

 

[Fozzie]

A bit like we see Andromeda then? Thanks!

 

[pmacias]

I would like to clarify that the appearance of the Milky Way galaxy to an observer on the Andromeda galaxy would depend on their relative position and orientation. If the Andromeda galaxy is directly facing the Milky Way, then it would appear as a spiral galaxy to the observer. However, if the Andromeda galaxy is positioned at an angle to the Milky Way, then it may appear to be edge-on or in-between, depending on the specific angle and orientation.

Furthermore, the shape and appearance of galaxies can also be affected by various factors such as dust and gas clouds, which can obscure or distort the view. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately predict how the Milky Way would appear to an observer on the Andromeda galaxy without knowing their exact position and orientation.

Overall, the Milky Way can appear as a spiral, edge-on, or in-between galaxy to an observer on the Andromeda galaxy, depending on their relative positions and other environmental factors. Further studies and observations are needed to understand the exact appearance of our galaxy from the perspective of the Andromeda galaxy.