Large Magellanic Cloud
The Large Magellanic Cloud is an irregular galaxy that orbits the Milky Way Galaxy. It is at a distance of about fifty kiloparsecs (≈160,000 light years). It has about 1/20 the diameter of the Milky Way and 1/10 the number of stars (i.e. about 1010 stars). While somewhat irregular in morphology, it does have some traces of a spiral structure.
In the modern days, the LMC is known as the furthest frontier of explored space and the location of several intergalactic expeditions organized by the Gigerdi Alliance and the Hemmoian Federation. It is the home galaxy of many exotic space-faring species, some primitive, some advanced beyond imagination, as well as a major location of First One activity.
Locations
The LMC has been divided into four quadrants for purposes of stellar cartography and navigation. These are the Mu Quadrant, the Zeta Quadrant, the Omega Quadrant and the Tau Quadrant.
The contents of these quadrants are almost entirely unknown to the peoples of the Milky Way. However, data obtained from the First Ones by the GA Research & Exploration division has resulted in a crude map. According to this map, over half of the galaxy is under the control of member states of the First One Alliance.
Features
There is a bridge of gas known as the Magellanic Bridge connecting the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) with the LMC, which is evidence of tidal interaction between the galaxies. The Magellanic Clouds have a common envelope of neutral hydrogen indicating they have been gravitationally bound for a long time. This bridge of gas is a star-forming site.
Some speculate that the Large Magellanic Cloud was once a barred spiral galaxy that was disrupted by the Milky Way to become somewhat irregular. It still contains a central bar structure, and is the fourth largest member of the Local Group, following the Andromeda Galaxy, the Milky Way, and Triangulum Galaxy. It is the third closest galaxy to the Milky Way.
