... Recent wide field images and analyses now indicate that our home galaxy is actually still in the process of devouring its closest satellite neighbor. ... Although auroras might first appear to be moonlit clouds, they only add light to the sky and do not block background stars from view. Our Galaxy in Stars, Gas, and Dust . ... Logarithmic Spirals Isabel and M51 . ... Uncomfortably close hurricane Isabel (left) and 30 million light-year distant galaxy M51 actually don't have much in common. ...