The Astrology of Space - Matrix Software

The Astrology of Space
estimated distance of 690 kpcs, these dimensions
correspond to 15x50 kiloparsecs.
This rather large ratio suggests that the galaxy is
seen almost edge on. Estimates of the inclination
range from 75.5 to 79 degrees. Inspection of the
spiral arms suggests that the fundamental plane of
the galaxy has been slightly warped, so that the spiral
arms are not all strictly coplanar. Possibly these
deformations are due to tidal interactions with its
companions M32 (NGC 221) and NGC 205. M31 and
the Milky Way are the two most massive objects in
the local group and contain 90% of the total mass of
the group. The most significant fact of all is that Our
Galaxy and Andromeda are approaching each other
and this may indicate that the local group is
contracting!
M32 (NGC 221) is a small elliptical galaxy that is in
close proximity to M31. It has been suggested that
some of the irregularities in the spiral pattern of M31
may be the consequence of a deformation produced
on M31 by the presence of M32. The other close
companion to M31 is the highly elongated elliptical
galaxy NGC 205. NGC 205 appears as an open
barred spiral, one of whose extensions is pointing
toward the center of M31 and which might be
interpreted as a direct tidal interaction with the
gravitational field of M31.
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