Magellanic cloud

noun

Astronomy.

1. either of two irregular galactic clusters in the southern heavens that are the nearest independent star system to the Milky Way.

Magellanic Cloud

/ ˌmæɡɪˈlænɪk /

noun

1. either of two small irregular galaxies, the Large Magellanic Cloud (Nubecula Major) and the Small Magellanic Cloud (Nubecula Minor), lying near the S celestial pole; they are probably satellites of the Galaxy. Distances: 163 000 light years (Large), 196 000 light years (Small)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Magellanic cloud¹

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

"What we learn in the Large Magellanic Cloud, we can apply to understanding these more distant galaxies from when the universe was much younger. The harsh conditions tell us more about how complex organic chemistry can occur in these primitive environments where much fewer heavy elements like carbon, nitrogen and oxygen are available for chemical reactions."

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Methanol and methyl formate had already been observed in the gas phase within the Large Magellanic Cloud, but this is the first evidence that such molecules are also forming in the solid ice itself.

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"The detection of icy COMs in the Large Magellanic Cloud provides evidence that these reactions can produce them effectively in a much harsher environment than in the solar neighborhood."

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"We currently only have one source in the Large Magellanic Cloud and only four sources with detection of these complex organic molecules in ices in the Milky Way. We need larger samples from both to confirm our initial results that indicate differences in COM abundances between these two galaxies," Sewilo said.

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The Large Magellanic Cloud, located about 160,000 light-years from Earth, is an ideal environment for studying how stars form in conditions resembling those of the early universe.

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