Local Group


noun Astronomy.

the group of galaxies, at least 25 of which are known, that includes the Milky Way.

Origin of Local Group

First recorded in 1915–20

British Dictionary definitions for local group

Local Group

noun

astronomy the cluster of galaxies to which our galaxy and the Andromeda Galaxy belong

Scientific definitions for local group

Local Group

A group of more than 30 galaxies that includes 2 large spiral galaxies-the Milky Way and Andromeda-as well as numerous smaller galaxies, many of which are dwarfs. The Local Group has a diameter of approximately 10 million light-years, with its gravitational center located between our galaxy and the Andromeda galaxy. It is part of a larger grouping known as the Virgo supercluster.