Galactic Distances

Hello, all, and this has probably been asked befo When it is stated
that a galaxy is X light-years from earth is that distance measured from
earth to the center of the galaxy or to its stars that are closest to
earth? Perhaps given the distances from earth and the size/diameter of
the galaxies involved this is moot? Thanks for your time and comment.
Sincerely,
--
J. B. Wood e-mail:

On 10/04/2018 9:06 PM, J.B. Wood wrote:
Hello, all, and this has probably been asked befoÂ* When it is stated
that a galaxy is X light-years from earth is that distance measured from
earth to the center of the galaxy or to its stars that are closest to
earth?Â* Perhaps given the distances from earth and the size/diameter of
the galaxies involved this is moot?Â* Thanks for your time and comment.
Sincerely,



Yes it is moot.

If we are say 1 billion light yrs from a galaxy that is our size (100
light yrs across), then is there any difference if we say we are 100,000
light yrs closer? That's 0.01 of 1% of the distance.



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If we are say 1 billion light yrs from a galaxy that is our size (100
light yrs across), then is there any difference if we say we are 100,000
light yrs closer? That's 0.01 of 1% of the distance.

We're often talking much closer...

e.g. Andromeda at 2.5 million -

Now it's a whole 4%

The location of galactic centers are likely to be much better defined
than stars at the edges.

J.B. Wood wrote:
Hello, all, and this has probably been asked befo When it is stated
that a galaxy is X light-years from earth is that distance measured from
earth to the center of the galaxy or to its stars that are closest to
earth? Perhaps given the distances from earth and the size/diameter of
the galaxies involved this is moot? Thanks for your time and comment.
Sincerely,



Since all astronomocal distances are only approximations at best,......it
really doesn't matter.