NASA scientists spot halo around Andromeda that bumps into our Milky Way galaxy

NASA, 28-Aug-2020

Scientists using NASA�s Hubble Space Telescope have spotted a giant gaseous halo around the Andromeda galaxy, which is the nearest galaxy to our Milky Way. What makes this study interesting is that this nearly invisible looking halo is touching the halo of our galaxy. It also comprises of fuel for future star formation. Scientists say if the naked human eye could view this mesmerizing halo, it would be the biggest highlight in the night sky. �Understanding the huge halos of gas surrounding galaxies is immensely important. This reservoir of gas contains fuel for future star formation within the galaxy, as well as outflows from events such as supernovae. It�s full of clues regarding the past and future evolution of the galaxy, and we�re finally able to study it in great detail in our closest galactic neighbour," noted co-investigator Samantha Berek of Yale University. Since scientists cannot determine the signature of our own galaxy's halo because we live inside it, the halos of Andromeda might give them some insight as the two galaxies are likely to be similar. This isn't this first time that scientists will study gaseous halo. They have researched the halos of galaxies far away from us, but those galaxies are said to be smaller on the sky, so the halo of Andromeda might give them extensive details. The Andromeda galaxy, which is also known as M31, is the closest galaxy to our Milky Way. It is so close to us that the galaxy appears as a cigar-shaped smudge of light high in the autumn sky.