Galaxia Linda

The galaxy wherein lies the Solar System and planet Earth.
galaxia-linda.jpg
Artist's Impresion of the Milky Way Galaxy by NASA/JPL-Caltech/ESO/R. Hurt, via Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)

The Galaxia Linda, known on Earth as the Milky Way.

The Solar System, in this image, is located due South of the middle of the central bulge, in the Orion Arm (the 'crossover' between the two main spiral arms).

Overview

The Galaxia Linda is a barred spiral galaxy (classification SB(rs)bc) with an estimated diameter of around 87,400 light years but with a thickness of only about 1,000 light years outside of its central bulge. The Galaxia Linda has several satellite galaxies which form part of the Andromeda Group of galaxies which, in turn, is a component of the Laniakea Supercluster.

Facts and Figures

Etymology

From Spanish, meaning “beautiful galaxy”. In Wanderers' tales, Galaxia Linda is often cited as the home of mythical travellers from afar. It is unclear whether the name in the tales is supposed to refer to NGC 0 or, indeed, to any particular galaxy at all, but the name stuck with it in proper astronomy, for it is, certainly, a most beautiful galaxy.

Common Framework Reference

NGC 0

There is no zeroth entry in the New General Catalogue so it seems an appropriate designation to bestow upon Galaxia Linda.

Previous or Alternative Name(s)

The Tellurians, who live there, refer to it as the Milky Way on account of how its star fields look against their night sky.

Size

  • Diameter 87,400 light years.
  • Population 250 billion stars.

Location

Alongside its prominent galactic neighbours Andromeda (NGC 224) and NGC 598, Galaxia Linda is a member of the Andromeda Group of galaxies, one of the closest neighbours of our own Celestial Adjacency, lying some 11.8 million light years from Calmarendi.

Notable Components

Location ID
025
Common Framework Reference
NGC 0
Alternative Name(s)
Milky Way
Type
Galaxy
Location under
Included Locations
Morphological Classification
SB(rs)bc
Diameter
87,400 light years
Population
250 billion stars
Distance from Calmarendi
≈11.8 million light years

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