Local Group
The Local Group is a collection of galaxies that includes the Milky Way, Andromeda, and several smaller galaxies.
How big is it?
3.066 Mpc across
Diameter · rounded reference
A little perspective
About 4 times the distance of Distance to Andromeda.
Distance to Andromeda: This is the distance between the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy, our nearest large galactic neighbour.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Local Group
A rounded 10 million light-year span for the neighbourhood of galaxies. Galaxy groups have no solid edge.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked diameter is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Distance to Andromeda
Approximate distance to our large galactic neighbour. This measures separation, not the galaxy’s diameter.
The marked distance is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 3.066 Mpc
For comparison, this page uses diameter. This is labelled rounded reference: an explicit comparison model rather than a claim that every example has the same value.
A rounded 10 million light-year span for the neighbourhood of galaxies. Galaxy groups have no solid edge.
The marked horizontal span follows the named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Local Group dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.066 Mpc | Not recorded | rounded reference |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible length records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · SpaceDistance to Andromeda766.5 kpcThis is the distance between the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy, our nearest large galactic neighbour.
Nearest higher value · SpaceDistance to the Virgo Cluster16.56 MpcThis is the distance from the Milky Way to the Virgo Cluster, a nearby large cluster of galaxies.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
More ways to see it
Curated comparisons
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
SpaceEarth–Sun distance1 AUThe Earth–Sun distance, or astronomical unit, is the standard measure of separation between Earth and the Sun used in astronomy.
SpaceMilky Way30.66 kpcThe Milky Way is a spiral galaxy containing hundreds of billions of stars, including our Solar System.
SpaceObservable universe28.21 GpcThe observable universe is the region from which light or other signals have had time to reach us since the early universe.SpaceDistance to Andromeda766.5 kpcThis is the distance between the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy, our nearest large galactic neighbour.SpaceDistance to the Virgo Cluster16.56 MpcThis is the distance from the Milky Way to the Virgo Cluster, a nearby large cluster of galaxies.SpaceAndromeda galaxy79.72 kpcThe Andromeda galaxy, also called M31, is the nearest large spiral galaxy to the Milky Way.
SpaceLaniakea-scale region159.4 MpcLaniakea is a vast region of interconnected galaxy clusters defined by shared gravitational flows.SpaceDistance to the galactic centre7.972 kpcThis is the distance from the Solar System to the centre of the Milky Way galaxy.