Large Magellanic Cloud

Satellite dwarf galaxy of the Milky Way hosting the Tarantula Nebula, the most active star-forming region in the Local Group.

Core Principles & Analysis

• It hosted SN 1987A, the nearest supernova since 1604, whose neutrinos reached detectors hours before its light brightened.
• Its Tarantula Nebula contains R136a1, the most massive star known at roughly 200 solar masses.
• Easily visible to southern naked-eye observers, it was described for Europeans by Magellan's 1519 expedition, which gave it its name.

Specifications & Metrics

• GALAXY TYPE: Magellanic Spiral (SB(s)m)
• DISTANCE: 163,000 light-years
• DIAMETER: ~32,200 light-years