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Andromeda Galaxy — Reading Comprehension

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5-ESS1-1
5-ESS1-2
RI.3.1
RI.3.4
RI.4.3

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About This Reader

This engaging science passage introduces Grade 4-5 students to the Andromeda Galaxy, our closest large galactic neighbor. Aligned with NGSS standards 5-ESS1-1 and 5-ESS1-2, it covers key facts about Andromeda, including its distance from Earth, its spiral structure, and its future collision with the Milky Way. The passage explains scientific concepts such as galaxies, light-years, and cosmic scale, and highlights the history of Andromeda's discovery. Audio integration supports diverse learners, while included activities like a reading quiz, writing prompts, and graphic organizers reinforce comprehension and critical thinking. This resource helps students understand Earth's place in the universe and connects them with the excitement of astronomical discovery.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Andromeda galaxy, Messier 31, spiral galaxy, supermassive black hole, galactic collision

Meet the Andromeda Galaxy

The Andromeda Galaxy is the nearest large galaxy to our own, the Milky Way. Astronomers also call it M31. Andromeda is about 2.5 million light-years away from us. That means the light we see from Andromeda started its journey before there were humans on Earth! When you look at Andromeda, you are seeing ancient history.

A Galaxy Full of Stars

Andromeda is huge. It contains about one trillion stars—even more than our Milky Way Galaxy! It is a spiral galaxy, which means it has arms that twist out from a bright center, just like a pinwheel. Andromeda got its name from a princess in Greek mythology.

What Does Andromeda Look Like?

On a clear, dark night, Andromeda can be seen as a faint, fuzzy smudge in the sky, in the constellation called Andromeda. It is the farthest object most people can see with just their eyes—no telescope needed! With a telescope, you can see its spiral arms and bright center.

The Milky Way and Andromeda: A Cosmic Collision

Andromeda and the Milky Way are moving toward each other. In about 4 to 5 billion years, they will collide and merge into one giant galaxy, which scientists call 'Milkomeda.' But don’t worry! Galaxies are mostly empty space, so stars probably won’t crash into each other. When they merge, the night sky will look amazing!

Discovery and History

The first known description of Andromeda was by Persian astronomer Al-Sufi in 964 AD, who called it a 'small cloud.' In 1924, Edwin Hubble proved that Andromeda was a galaxy outside the Milky Way. This discovery showed that the universe is much bigger than anyone had thought.

Interesting Fact:
Andromeda is like seeing your neighbor’s house from across a giant canyon—it looks small and fuzzy, but it’s actually bigger than our own and slowly moving closer!

What is Andromeda also called?

M31MilkomedaHubblePinwheel

How far away is Andromeda?

2.5 million light-years1,000 light-years5 billion miles100 light-years

What shape is Andromeda?

SpiralTriangleSquareCircle

Why won't stars crash when Andromeda and the Milky Way collide?

Galaxies are mostly empty spaceStars are too heavyStars move slowlyStars are too small

What happens in about 4-5 billion years?

Andromeda and Milky Way will mergeNew stars will formAndromeda will disappearMilky Way will shrink

Who proved Andromeda was a separate galaxy?

Edwin HubbleAl-SufiIsaac NewtonAlbert Einstein