Why is it easier to measure overall structure of Andromeda Galaxy than

In summary, it is easier to measure the overall structure of the Andromeda Galaxy compared to the Milky Way Galaxy because the former can be seen in visible light while the latter requires radio and infrared imaging to penetrate the dust and gas that obstructs our view. Additionally, because we are inside the Milky Way, we can only see it edge-on which makes it difficult to observe its spiral structure. Furthermore, the Andromeda Galaxy is located farther away, making it easier to see its overall structure but harder to see its internal details. This is demonstrated by the fact that a photo of the giant elliptical galaxy M87 reveals approximately 10,000 globular clusters in its halo, compared to the Milky Way's 150-200 glob
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BFern
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Why is it easier to measure overall structure of Andromeda Galaxy than to measure Milky Way Galaxy?
 
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  • #2


Originally posted by BFern
Why is it easier to measure overall structure of Andromeda Galaxy than to measure Milky Way Galaxy?
Because we can see the whole thing in visable light, and take neat photos, while it takes Radio and IR imaging to see through the dust and gasses blocking our view of most of our own Milky Way. Because we have to "see" our own galaxy edge-on, no neat spiral structure; we are in it.

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap021021.html

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap020719.html

Labguy
 
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  • #3
It's like holding a book right up to your face edge on, you can certain aspects of it's structure quite cleraly but you can't really see the bigger picture, add to this all the interstellar gas around the galactic nuclei which makes that region very difficult to observe.
 
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Welcome to Physics Forums, BFern!

Note that it's easier to see Andromeda's overall structure, but harder to see the internal details (because it's so far away).
 
  • #5
Originally posted by Phobos
Welcome to Physics Forums, BFern!

Note that it's easier to see Andromeda's overall structure, but harder to see the internal details (because it's so far away).
To add, and just for someone to look up if interested, somewhere on the web you can find an unbelievable photo of the giant elliptical galaxy M87. They say our Milky Way has about 150-200 Globular Clusters (I think more), but the photo of M87 shows good detail in the galaxy and ~10,000 (yes, ten thousand) globular clusters in the halo.

Labguy

EDIT: Here it is: (larger photo would be nice)
http://www.seds.org/messier/Jpg/m87.jpg [Broken] From:
http://www.seds.org/messier/more/m-aat.html [Broken]
A "keeper"
 
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Why is it easier to measure overall structure of Andromeda Galaxy than

The Andromeda Galaxy is the closest spiral galaxy to our own Milky Way, making it easier for us to study and observe compared to other galaxies that are farther away.

Why is it easier to measure overall structure of Andromeda Galaxy than other galaxies?

The Andromeda Galaxy has a relatively large size and brightness, making it easier to observe and collect data on its structure compared to smaller and dimmer galaxies.

Why is it easier to measure overall structure of Andromeda Galaxy than other celestial objects?

Celestial objects such as stars and planets are much smaller and have less complex structures compared to galaxies, making it easier for scientists to gather accurate measurements and data on the overall structure of Andromeda Galaxy.

Why is it easier to measure overall structure of Andromeda Galaxy than other galaxies with similar sizes?

The Andromeda Galaxy is relatively close to our own galaxy, which allows for more detailed and precise observations compared to other galaxies with similar sizes that are farther away.

Why is it easier to measure overall structure of Andromeda Galaxy than other galaxies with similar brightness?

The Andromeda Galaxy's close proximity to our own galaxy also allows for more detailed and high-resolution images to be taken, making it easier to measure the overall structure compared to other galaxies with similar brightness that are farther away.

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