Magellanic cloud

American  

noun

Astronomy.

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

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Magellanic Cloud British  

/ 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)

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Etymology

Origin of Magellanic cloud

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

A team from the University of Arizona found that the SMC's unusual behavior is the result of a direct collision with the Large Magellanic Cloud.

From Science Daily

In a separate study published in 2025, the same team found that the impact left a visible mark on the Large Magellanic Cloud.

From Science Daily

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.

From Science Daily

"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."

From Science Daily

"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.

From Science Daily