Chapter 34, Problem 4TC

Rank the following in order of increasing distance from Earth: the Andromeda galaxy, the Virgo cluster, the nearest void.

To determine

The order of increasing distance of the Andromeda galaxy, the Virgo cluster, the nearest void from the Earth.

Answer to Problem 4TC

The increasing order of distance from Earth is, Andromeda galaxy < Virgo cluster < closest void.

Explanation of Solution

The astronomical distance is measured in terms of a light-year, one light-year is the distance traveled by light in one year. So in order to know that, which is farthest between the Andromeda Galaxy, the Virgo cluster, and the nearest void from the Earth, we should know their individual distance from Earth.

The light travel time from Earth to Andromeda Galaxy is 2.5 million years and for the Virgo cluster, it is 65.23 million years. The closest void to Earth is the local void and the center of local void is 75 million years from Earth.

Thus, the Andromeda galaxy is closest to Earth than the Virgo cluster and then the local void is farthest between them.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the increasing order of distance from Earth is, Andromeda galaxy < Virgo cluster < closest void.