magellanic cloud
Proper noun 1. A small irregular galaxy: The Magellanic Cloud refers to one of two small, irregular galaxies that are satellites of the Milky Way galaxy. They are named after the explorer Ferdinand Magellan, whose crew documented them during the first circumnavigation of the Earth. 2. A visible celestial object: Specifically, these galaxies are visible to the naked eye in the Southern Hemisphere, appearing as faint, cloud-like patches near the south celestial pole.
The term "Magellanic Cloud" is typically used in an astronomical context. It is often preceded by "Large" or "Small" to specify which of the two galaxies is being discussed. * Astronomers study star formation in the Magellanic Cloud. * The Large Magellanic Cloud is closer to our galaxy than the Small Magellanic Cloud.
- The Magellanic Cloud provides a nearby laboratory for observing galactic dynamics.
- A supernova observed in 1987 occurred in the Large Magellanic Cloud.
- Navigators in the Southern Hemisphere sometimes use the Magellanic Cloud as a rough guide.
- The Magellanic Clouds: This plural form refers to both galaxies as a pair, often discussed in terms of their gravitational interaction with each other and with the Milky Way.
- The tidal forces between the Magellanic Clouds and our galaxy are creating a stream of gas known as the Magellanic Stream.
- Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC): The larger and closer of the two satellite galaxies.
- Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC): The smaller and more distant of the two satellite galaxies.
- Magellanic Stream: A long trail of neutral hydrogen gas stretching from these galaxies, believed to be the result of tidal interactions.
- Satellite galaxy (when referring to its relationship to the Milky Way)
- Irregular galaxy (when describing its morphological type)
Note: There are no direct, single-word synonyms for this specific proper noun.
-
either of two small galaxies orbiting the Milky Way; visible near the south celestial pole
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ chứa "magellanic cloud"
