Magellanic Clouds — two irregular dwarf galaxies in the Milky Way

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the Magellanic Clouds, two irregular dwarf galaxies associated with the Milky Way. Participants explore their existence, location, size, and the dynamics of their interaction with the Milky Way, including potential collision rates. The conversation also touches on observational experiences and the visibility of these galaxies from different locations on Earth.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants seek to confirm the existence and location of the Magellanic Clouds, noting their distance from Earth (approximately 160,000 to 200,000 light years).
  • There is a discussion about the sizes of the Large Magellanic Cloud (14,000 light years in diameter) and the Small Magellanic Cloud (7,000 light years in diameter).
  • Some participants mention that the Magellanic Clouds orbit the Milky Way rather than being part of it, prompting questions about their classification and relationship to other galaxies.
  • Observational challenges are shared, with participants discussing their experiences viewing the Magellanic Clouds and other nearby galaxies, including the Andromeda Galaxy.
  • One participant suggests using a planetarium program, Stellarium, to aid in locating and identifying the Magellanic Clouds and their designations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the existence and distance of the Magellanic Clouds, but there are differing views on their classification and relationship to the Milky Way. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of their interaction and the implications of their orbital dynamics.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on assumptions about the definitions of galaxy classifications and observational capabilities. The discussion includes varying levels of familiarity with astronomical tools and resources.

Who May Find This Useful

Astronomy enthusiasts, amateur astronomers, and individuals interested in galaxy formation and dynamics may find this discussion relevant.

Philosophaie
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In a recent article:

http://io9.com/5937295/astronomers-discover-milky-ways-twin-magellanic-clouds-and-all

Our galaxy is not particularly special in the universe.

Its pairing with the Magellanic Clouds — two irregular dwarf galaxies has other similar configurations out there.

I would like to confirm the existence and location of these irregular dwarf galaxies.

How close they are and the collision rate.

Also could we discuss the Magellanic Cloud. How big it is, where it is located.
 
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Philosophaie said:
In a recent article:

http://io9.com/5937295/astronomers-discover-milky-ways-twin-magellanic-clouds-and-all

Our galaxy is not particularly special in the universe.
Its pairing with the Magellanic Clouds — two irregular dwarf galaxies has other similar configurations out there.
I would like to confirm the existence and location of these irregular dwarf galaxies.
How close they are and the collision rate.

Also could we discuss the Magellanic Cloud. How big it is, where it is located.

These irregular dwarf galaxies ? which ones ? The Magellanic Clouds ? look on any star map and it will tell you their location in the sky.
They are not IN the Milky Way as you said in your title. They orbit our Milky Way galaxy
all that info is readily available ... for example... the Magellanic Clouds are ~ 170,000 light years away from Earth.

this has to be a well known galaxy with the highest known count of companion galaxies, from wiki...

The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) has satellite galaxies just like the Milky Way Galaxy. Orbiting M31 are at least 14 dwarf galaxies: the brightest and largest is M32, which can be seen with a backyard telescope. The second brightest and closest one to M32 is M110. The other galaxies are fainter, and were mostly discovered only starting from the 1970s.

On January 11, 2006, it was announced that Andromeda's faint companion galaxies lie on or close to a single plane running through Andromeda's center. This unexpected distribution is not obviously understood in the context of current models for galaxy formation. The plane of satellite galaxies points toward a nearby group of galaxies (M81 group), possibly tracing the large-scale distribution of dark matter

I can make out 1 of the companions through my scope, M32 cheers
Dave
 
davenn said:
I can make out 1 of the companions through my scope, M32

Wow, nice. I can barely make out Andromeda at all from my front yard with my 8 inch scope. Can't wait till I move out to Tucson in a week or so.

I would like to confirm the existence and location of these irregular dwarf galaxies.

How close they are and the collision rate.

Also could we discuss the Magellanic Cloud. How big it is, where it is located.

The magellanic clouds are in the southern part of the celestial sphere and visible from the Southern Hemisphere of the Earth.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magellanic_Clouds

Follow the links in the article for more info.
 
Ohhh I need a dark sky site for the companion galaxy, I can see Andromeda galaxy easily through the scope from home, but need to trave 30 mins to the nth side of the city to be able to see it naked eye

Due to the poor health, I haven't done any nite time astronomy this winter that we are nearing the end of :( ... not sad about the end of winter, but I did want to give the then new scope a good work out, but didnt happen.
In the last 8 months its been used to the Venus transit and a partial lunar eclipse

To Tucson, is that a permanent move ? I did enjoy one nite under the Arizona sky back in 2006 and with a power cut that occurred just as we booked into the motel, we had ~ an hour or so of really dark sky :)

Dave
 
davenn said:
To Tucson, is that a permanent move ? I did enjoy one nite under the Arizona sky back in 2006 and with a power cut that occurred just as we booked into the motel, we had ~ an hour or so of really dark sky :)

Dave

Yep. Moving there from Shreveport/Bossier City Louisiana. Going up 2500 ft or so in altitude, and with like 1/10th the humidity, plus a less crowded area it should be WAY better. Unfortunately the weather was cloudy all last week when I was in Tucson apartment hunting and doing part of my Air Force Reserve duties, so I didn't get to see anything at all.
 
Philosophaie said:
In a recent article:

http://io9.com/5937295/astronomers-discover-milky-ways-twin-magellanic-clouds-and-all

Our galaxy is not particularly special in the universe.

Its pairing with the Magellanic Clouds — two irregular dwarf galaxies has other similar configurations out there.

I would like to confirm the existence and location of these irregular dwarf galaxies.

How close they are and the collision rate.

Also could we discuss the Magellanic Cloud. How big it is, where it is located.



The large Magellanic cloud is 160,000 LY distant
The small Magellanic cloud is 200,000 LY distant.

Their respective diameters are:

14,000 ly for the Large LMC
7,000 ly for the SMC
 
What constellation and designation(ex. NCG000) are the LMC and SMC respectively?
 
Drakkith said:
Yep. Moving there from Shreveport/Bossier City Louisiana. Going up 2500 ft or so in altitude, and with like 1/10th the humidity, plus a less crowded area it should be WAY better. Unfortunately the weather was cloudy all last week when I was in Tucson apartment hunting and doing part of my Air Force Reserve duties, so I didn't get to see anything at all.

Congrats on the move!
 
Philosophaie said:
What constellation and designation(ex. NCG000) are the LMC and SMC respectively?

there's a really nice and free planetarium ( starmap) program called Stellarium
I suggest you download it and start to familarise yourself with the night sky.

This program will answer all your questions ... its time for you to do some research for yourself :)

Dave
 

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