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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how the Milky Way galaxy would appear to an observer located in the Andromeda galaxy, considering various perspectives on its orientation—whether it would be seen edge-on, face-on, or in between. The scope includes conceptual reasoning and observational astronomy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the appearance of the Milky Way depends on the position of the constellation Andromeda relative to the Milky Way's band of stars, proposing it would be seen edge-on with a slight tilt of 15 degrees.
  • Another participant notes that Andromeda is about 20 degrees below the Galactic plane, leading to the assumption that the Milky Way would be viewed as between edge-on and face-on, but closer to edge-on.
  • A later reply draws a parallel, questioning if the view of the Milky Way would be similar to how we see Andromeda.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the exact orientation of the Milky Way as seen from Andromeda, with no consensus reached on whether it would be edge-on, face-on, or in between.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the positions of the galaxies and the angles involved, which may affect the interpretations of their appearances.

Fozzie
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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?
 
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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.
 
Last edited:
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.
 
A bit like we see Andromeda then? Thanks!
 

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