Milky Way vs. TON 618

Attribute	Milky Way	TON 618
Galaxy Type	Spiral	Quasar
Size	100,000 light years	Unknown
Mass	~1 trillion solar masses	66 billion solar masses
Distance from Earth	~27,000 light years	10.37 billion light years
Black Hole	Yes, Sagittarius A*	Yes, supermassive black hole

Introduction

When it comes to galaxies, Milky Way and TON 618 are two fascinating examples that showcase the vast diversity in our universe. While Milky Way is the galaxy that our solar system calls home, TON 618 is a distant quasar that holds some impressive records. In this article, we will compare the attributes of these two celestial bodies to highlight their differences and similarities.

Size

One of the key differences between Milky Way and TON 618 is their size. Milky Way is a spiral galaxy with a diameter of about 100,000 light-years, containing billions of stars, planets, and other celestial objects. On the other hand, TON 618 is a quasar located in the Canes Venatici constellation and is estimated to have a mass equivalent to 66 billion times that of the Sun. This makes TON 618 one of the most massive black holes known to exist.

Composition

Another important aspect to consider when comparing Milky Way and TON 618 is their composition. Milky Way is made up of various elements, including hydrogen, helium, and traces of heavier elements like carbon and oxygen. It also contains dark matter, which makes up a significant portion of its mass. In contrast, TON 618 is a quasar powered by a supermassive black hole that is actively accreting matter. This black hole emits enormous amounts of energy, making TON 618 one of the brightest objects in the universe.

Age

When it comes to age, Milky Way and TON 618 also differ significantly. Milky Way is estimated to be around 13.6 billion years old, making it one of the older galaxies in the universe. It has undergone various stages of evolution, leading to the formation of stars, planets, and other structures. TON 618, on the other hand, is much younger in comparison. The quasar is believed to be only a few hundred million years old, making it a relatively new addition to the cosmic landscape.

Distance

One of the most striking differences between Milky Way and TON 618 is their distance from Earth. Milky Way is located approximately 27,000 light-years away from our solar system, making it a relatively close neighbor in cosmic terms. TON 618, on the other hand, is located much farther away, at a distance of about 10.37 billion light-years. This vast distance makes it challenging for astronomers to study TON 618 in detail, leading to many unanswered questions about its nature and properties.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Milky Way and TON 618 are two remarkable celestial bodies that offer unique insights into the diversity of galaxies in the universe. While Milky Way is our familiar home galaxy with a rich history and diverse composition, TON 618 stands out as a distant quasar with immense size and energy output. By comparing the attributes of these two galaxies, we can gain a better understanding of the vastness and complexity of the cosmos.