• Key Information

  • Large Magellanic Cloud

  • Type
    Magellanic Spiral Galaxy
  • Diameter
    14,000 light years
  • Distance
    163,000 light years
  • Total Stars
    30 billion
  • Date of Discovery
    Unknown
  • Learning Point
  • The Large Magellanic Cloud is a Magellanic spiral galaxy that has one spiral arm and is larger that most irregular galaxies, but not as big as a dwarf spiral galaxy.
  • Project
  • Draw the Large Magellenic Cloud.
  • Location
  • Located in
    Dorado, within the Local Cluster (of galaxies)
  • Fun Facts
  • Along with the nearby Small Magellanic Cloud, and several other smaller galaxies, the two dwarf galaxies orbit the Milky Way in our Local Group, a cluster of galaxies in our galactic neighbourhood.
  • The galaxy can be seen from about 20 degrees latitude north and further south. The further south you are, the more of the year you can see it.
  • It is the fourth largest galaxy in our Local Group of galaxies, and may contain as many as 30 billion stars.
  • The Tarantula Nebula is one of many nebulas and star clusters that can be seen in it.
  • Like the Small Magellanic Cloud, it has many stars being created. It also has lost some of its shape because of interaction with its neighbour and the Milky Way.