Andromeda Galaxy From Danville: Photo Of The Day

DANVILLE, CA — Sometimes just getting to San Ramon in traffic can feel like an eternity. But when you're stuck during rush hour, just remember how far away the nearest galaxy is: 2.5 million light years away.

Danville resident Bob Schiff captured this mind boggling photo of the Andromeda Galaxy, a barred spiral galaxy that an be seen near the Andromeda constellation. Because the galaxy is 2.5 million light years away, that means you are looking at an image of the galaxy as it was 2.5 million years ago.

If you're drawn in by its beauty, take heart: scientists expect the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies to collide and merge in about 4-5 billion years.

Thank you so much for all your incredible images, Bob! If you have a photo you'd like featured on Patch, email Michael.wittner@patch.com.

RELATED:

• Saturn From Danville: Photo Of The Day - Patch
• Jupiter From Danville: Photo Of The Day
• Buck Supermoon: Danville Photo Of The Day