Yes, as stated in the title, it's a simulated view and not a photo. A photo like this will remain physically impossible for a long, long time. However, considering we have enough information about our own galaxy (such as its size, general orientation, and position relative to its neighbors) and that the software used to produce the images takes all of that into account when simulating the universe, it's the furthest from "just a guess" than we can scientifically get at this moment. The image is the product of a mathematical simulation using the scientific data we currently have.
Correct. The Large Magellanic Cloud is too far away from us for our telescopes to resolve any potential planets that may exist there. Still, it's a galaxy (albeit a small one), so it most likely contains countless planets orbiting its stars. What the screenshots show is a procedurally-generated asteroid, which I considered useful to include in the shot (so as to give some sense of scale).
Looking at this, I can't help but wonder what influence the presence of such a big celestial body would have on any civilizations that may exist over there. Either way, it's so cool that they don't have to wait until Andromeda arrives to have such a breathtaking view.
For comparison, the Andromeda galaxy is about 2.5 million light years away from the Milky Way, while the Large Magellanic Cloud is only 161 thousand light years away from us.
Everyone talks about how huge Andromeda will look in the sky billions of years from now. I present you what the Milky Way *currently* looks like in the skies of our neighbor, the Large Magellanic Cloud. We appear absolutely huge in their skies! [Simulated view]
lampiaio OP t1_jdtbwwj wrote
Reply to comment by scorekeeper12 in Everyone talks about how huge Andromeda will look in the sky billions of years from now. I present you what the Milky Way *currently* looks like in the skies of our neighbor, the Large Magellanic Cloud. We appear absolutely huge in their skies! [Simulated view] by lampiaio
Yes, as stated in the title, it's a simulated view and not a photo. A photo like this will remain physically impossible for a long, long time. However, considering we have enough information about our own galaxy (such as its size, general orientation, and position relative to its neighbors) and that the software used to produce the images takes all of that into account when simulating the universe, it's the furthest from "just a guess" than we can scientifically get at this moment. The image is the product of a mathematical simulation using the scientific data we currently have.