Post by patrickm on Feb 5, 2011 17:25:24 GMT -6
Universe Today
Astronomy Without A Telescope - Situation Cloudy
Are Magellanic Clouds bound to The Milky Way?
"Most people agree that the Magellanic Clouds are in orbit around the Milky Way. What's not clear is whether it is a bound orbit or just a temporary 'ships passing in the night' arrangement. Something which could clarify the relationship is the Magellanic Stream, a 600,000 light year long string of gas dragged through and beyond the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds."
The Magellanic Stream trails behind the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds - two bright shapes visible below the Milky Way's galactic disk, to the right. The stuff ahead of the Clouds is called the Leading Arm. The pink is false color - the Stream and Arm are only visible in radio wavelengths. Credit: Nidever et al.
Astronomy Without A Telescope - Situation Cloudy
Are Magellanic Clouds bound to The Milky Way?
"Most people agree that the Magellanic Clouds are in orbit around the Milky Way. What's not clear is whether it is a bound orbit or just a temporary 'ships passing in the night' arrangement. Something which could clarify the relationship is the Magellanic Stream, a 600,000 light year long string of gas dragged through and beyond the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds."
The Magellanic Stream trails behind the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds - two bright shapes visible below the Milky Way's galactic disk, to the right. The stuff ahead of the Clouds is called the Leading Arm. The pink is false color - the Stream and Arm are only visible in radio wavelengths. Credit: Nidever et al.
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