RICHMOND, Va. — This weekend, the Science Museum of Virginia is hosting special showings of a breathtaking new view of the Andromeda Galaxy. It’s a unique opportunity for the public to experience this cosmic marvel.
Astronomer Justin Bartel, the museum’s assistant director of education for astronomy programs, shared exciting details about the galaxy during a visit to “The Dome” at the museum.
Recently, NASA unveiled the most detailed survey of the Andromeda Galaxy, our nearest galactic neighbor. This stunning image was created using the Hubble Space Telescope. Over a decade, astronomers captured and stitched together 600 photos, revealing more than 200 million stars.
“This discovery came out to celebrate the 100th anniversary of determining the size of our universe,” Bartel explained. “Andromeda was the first galaxy whose distance we measured, helping us understand that our Milky Way is not all there is.”
The Andromeda Galaxy is fascinating. It’s the farthest object we can see with the naked eye, looking like a fuzzy cigar in the night sky. Now, thanks to “The Dome’s” advanced technology, visitors can view this galaxy at full resolution.
According to Bartel, the show serves as a reminder of our place in the universe. “We’re part of something much larger. Andromeda is a vibrant area where new stars form and old ones burn out,” he noted.
The Dome will also highlight Asteroid 2024 YR4, which scientists say has a slight chance—about 2 percent—of colliding with Earth in seven years. It’s a thrilling glimpse into our cosmos and the ongoing research that shapes our understanding of it.
Tickets for the live shows are available for the President’s Day weekend. Don’t miss the chance to explore the universe in this stunning way!
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