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What is a galaxy and what will I see?
Home » Astronomy » What You Can See » What is a galaxy and what will I see?So far, everything we’ve discussed is within our own Milky Way galaxy. A galaxy is an external system all of its own which resides millions of light years away! In binoculars it is very possible to see many of the larger, brighter and closer of our cosmic companions. They will appear as round, oval or elongated contrast changes that are sometimes quite large and sometimes quite small. It is amazing to think that you can see such a great distance with simple equipment!
For the small telescope, dozens of galaxies await you. The brighter ones will show definite structure as you learn to “see” details. Many will reveal areas of concentration, a faint spiral arm or a dark dustlane. Smaller and more distant galaxies are very faint and it takes practice to spot them—but what a wonder you are seeing!
A large telescope is absolutely the choice of the galaxy hunter. There are thousands of galaxies you can view, depending on aperture, appearing well defined and much like their photographs. In the galaxy game, light gathering ability is everything!
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