Nearby galaxies, computer graphic. The cluster of galaxies surrounding our spiral Milky Way galaxy (centre left) is shown out to a distance of 500,000 light years. Nine galaxies and the Milky Way are shown. The concentric circles are 100,000 light years apart, and lines show the positions of galaxies above (green) or below (orange) the celestial equator. The radial lines show the directions in the sky. The largest (but still small) galaxies near the Milky Way are the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (lower centre). For a labelled version of this graphic, see R900/093.