The Andromeda Galaxy (M31)

The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) as seen by the 200-inch optical telescope at the Palomar Observatory.  Like the Milky Way, Andromeda is a spiral galaxy orbited by Two companion galaxies, seen as bright spots above and below the Andromeda.  Andromeda is approximately 20,000 light years across, and about 2 million light years away.  (One light year is 9.5 trillion miles.)  It is the nearest spiral galaxy similar to the Milky Way.

Official NASA Photograph

This vintage space postcard is unused.