dwarf satellite galaxy of the Milky Way
Type
Dwarf galaxy, satellite galaxy
Classification
Magellanic spiral (SB(s)m)
Distance
163,000 light-years (50 kpc)
Proximity
2nd or 3rd closest galaxy
Diameter
32,200 light-years
Mass (stars)
10 billion solar masses
Mass (total)
138 billion solar masses
Stars
Approximately 20 billion
Location
Dorado and Mensa constellations
Globular clusters
Roughly 60
Planetary nebulae
Approximately 400
Open clusters
Roughly 700
Central black hole
600,000 solar masses
Notable feature
Tarantula Nebula
Star formation
Most active in Local Group
Connection
Hydrogen bridge to SMC
Future
Merge with Milky Way in 2.4 Gyr