Galactic dynamics
Satellite Galaxies & Accretion
The Milky Way is orbited by dozens of smaller galaxies, the brightest being the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. In the hierarchical picture of galaxy formation, big galaxies grow by swallowing small ones, and the Milky Way is still feeding — its halo and streams are the debris of satellites consumed long ago.
Galaxy, objects & concepts
Across the Galaxy
Knowledge connections
- Associated withThe Galactic Warp
- Associated withLarge Magellanic Cloud
- Associated withSmall Magellanic Cloud
- Associated withThe Local Group
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- ESOEuropean Southern Observatory
Southern-hemisphere observatory data and imagery (VLT, ALMA partner).