Measuring Light Years: How Far Is the Andromeda Galaxy?

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SUMMARY

The Andromeda Galaxy is located approximately 2.2 to 3 million light years from Earth. The distance measurement is primarily established using the Cosmic Distance Ladder methodology, which includes techniques such as observing Cepheid variable stars. These stars serve as standard candles for measuring astronomical distances, confirming the existence of galaxies beyond the Milky Way. The discussion highlights the significance of these measurements in understanding the scale of the universe.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Cosmic Distance Ladder
  • Familiarity with Cepheid variable stars
  • Basic knowledge of light year as a unit of distance
  • Awareness of astronomical measurement techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the methodology of the Cosmic Distance Ladder
  • Learn about Cepheid variable stars and their role in distance measurement
  • Explore the significance of the Hubble Space Telescope in measuring cosmic distances
  • Investigate other methods of measuring astronomical distances, such as parallax and redshift
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, astrophysicists, educators, and anyone interested in understanding cosmic distances and the structure of the universe.

JustATheory
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I was reading up on the Andromeda Galaxy and it was saying that it was 2.2 to 3 million light years away from earth. So my question is how do we measure how far it is in light years?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Awesome thank you!
 
In fact, Cepheids were used to establish the fact that galaxies other than the Milky Way actually existed in the universe! re: http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/2011/15
 

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