BBC NEWS | Science & Environment | Milky Way 'bigger than thought'

BBC NEWS | Science & Environment | Milky Way 'bigger than thought': "Our galaxy is much bigger than once thought, according to research presented at a major astronomy meeting this week.

The results suggest the Milky Way is roughly the same size as Andromeda, the largest galaxy in our local group.

What is more, it is moving 15% faster than earlier predictions.

The greater mass means that future collisions with nearby galaxies could happen sooner than thought, according to the researchers."