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The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds
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The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds
The Magellanic Clouds. Optical image of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC, left) and the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). They are small galaxies in orbit around our own galaxy, the Milky Way. LMC is at a distance of about 160, 000 light years from the Earth and its mass is estimated to be some 10 billion times the mass of the Sun. The SMC is about one billion times the mass of the Sun and lies at a distance of about 185, 000 light years. Stars in the LMC and SMC are generally younger than the stars in our galaxy and gas and dust are more plentiful in them than in the Milky Way. The bright " star" to the right of the SMC is actually the 47 Tucanae globular star cluster
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Media ID 6443841
© DR FRED ESPENAK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Cosmology Galactic Galaxy Large Magellanic Cloud Small Magellanic Cloud Larg Magellanic Clouds Smal
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, two small galaxies gracefully orbiting our very own Milky Way. On the left, we are greeted by the enchanting sight of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), situated approximately 160,000 light years away from Earth. Its colossal mass is estimated to be a staggering 10 billion times that of our Sun. To its right lies the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), which boasts a still-impressive mass of about one billion times that of our Sun and resides at a distance of roughly 185,000 light years. What sets these celestial wonders apart is their youthfulness compared to stars in our galaxy. The LMC and SMC host an abundance of gas and dust, nurturing new generations of stars yet to grace our skies. Amidst this cosmic dance, we can also spot what appears to be a radiant star on the right side – but it is actually none other than the mesmerizing 47 Tucanae globular star cluster. With this extraordinary image captured by Science Photo Library's lens, we are reminded once again how vast and diverse our universe truly is. It invites us to ponder upon distant worlds beyond imagination while marveling at their sheer magnificence.
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