The Andromeda galaxy is the closest large spiral galaxy to the Milky Way. It is identifiable by its bright, yellow core surrounded by spiral arms colored in blue starlight. The red clouds of ionized hydrogen dispersed throughout the image are likely in the foreground and apart of the Milky Way galaxy. Located 2.5 million light-years away, Andromeda will collide with the Milky Way in 4 billion years.