50 kiloparsecs
50 kpcLength · definition
The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.
Length & distance
Just how long is 50 kiloparsecs?
Deep space
50 kpc
50 kiloparsecs
The quantity is exact as entered.
50 kpcLength
0 - shared origin
Andromeda galaxy
The Andromeda galaxy, also called M31, is the nearest large spiral galaxy to the Milky Way.
79.72 kpcDiameter
0 - shared origin
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions. A ruler represents the selected distance or a measurement not visible in this view.
A little perspective
The diameter of the Andromeda galaxy is about 1.59 times 50 kiloparsecs.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
50 kiloparsecs
Length: 50 kpc; definition.
The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.
Andromeda galaxy
Diameter: 79.72 kpc; approximate.
The 260,000 light-year extent is NASA’s ultraviolet-view reference. Diameters measured with another wavelength or brightness threshold differ.
The marked diameter is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Measurement details
Why these numbers?
Compare 50 kiloparsecs with the diameter of the Andromeda galaxy. The notes below explain how each value was chosen.
Andromeda galaxy
79.72 kpcDiameter · approximate
The 260,000 light-year extent is NASA’s ultraviolet-view reference. Diameters measured with another wavelength or brightness threshold differ.
- Comparing
- Length ↔ Diameter
- Relative size
- The diameter of the Andromeda galaxy is about 1.59 times 50 kiloparsecs. The diameter of the Andromeda galaxy is approximately 59.4% greater than 50 kiloparsecs.
How to read the visual
The diagram uses the recorded measurements. Details outside the marked spans do not set the scale.
- The diameter of the Andromeda galaxy: This is an estimate; check the notes for its rounding and uncertainty.
This comparison follows the selected length only; other dimensions may differ.
1.5428 × 10²¹ mmetres
5.0618 × 10²¹ ftfeet
9.5868 × 10¹⁷ mimiles
1.0313 × 10¹⁰ AUastronomical units
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