Would the Andromeda galaxy be visible on the other side of the Milky Way?

Kitsune · Apr 19, 2021

I know that I am asking a lot of questions.

I looked for various answers including looking for pictures of the local group. Now of the maps of the local group that I have found seem to give directions to know on which side of the Milky Way Earth is to the local group. On the other side of the Milky Way galaxy compared to the Andromeda galaxy does appear devoid, makings me think we are on the Andromeda side but not sure.

I am trying to figure out if an astronomer from the other side of the Milky Way galaxy would figure out if they are in the same galaxy. I am thinking yes due to other galaxies but not the Andromeda galaxy, assuming it is on the other side?

Sandy River DL · Apr 19, 2021

By the looks of things, Andromeda should be visible from anywhere in the Milky Way's disk. A system in the galactic halo, on the other hand, could potentially have the MW's core region block its view of Andromeda.

Avernus · Apr 19, 2021

The core and a lesser degree the arms of the Milky Way obstruct the view of anything on the other side of them. We're not even sure how many spiral arms the Milky way has, for that reason.

Jonen C · Apr 28, 2021

Sandy River DL said:
By the looks of things, Andromeda should be visible from anywhere in the Milky Way's disk. A system in the galactic halo, on the other hand, could potentially have the MW's core region block its view of Andromeda.

Potentially not, but probably.

Elite Dangerous isn't an accurate astronomical tool, but it does have a full scale simulated, mostly procgen representation of the milky way and the tools to navigate around it, and Andromeda in the skybox surrounding it.
In Elite, you may be able to see Andromeda through the core of the milky way (at least you can in Galmap).