NASA offers dazzling new sights (and sounds) of the Andromeda galaxy

Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Even a century after Edward Hubble confirmed its existence, astronomers learn new details about the Andromeda galaxy that help us better understand our cosmic neighborhood and the wider universe. Earlier this week, NASA released its latest detailed images of the Milky Way's spiral sibling, as well an ethereal sonification of its energy wavelengths. Attaining an outside view of the Milky Way galaxy is a bit like trying to examine the entire planet from your backyard--that is to say, it's impossible from humanity's current vantage point. The next best option for astronomers is gazing at similar nearby spiral galaxies, the closest of which is Messier 31.