What are those two stars blocking my view of the andromeda galaxy?

Factual Questions
1

In every photo of the Andromeda Galaxy there are two stars on the edge of the galactic disk that I think are in the foreground.

What are these two stars and how far away are they? I have a big poster of andromeda and I like to know what i am looking at.

Thanks,

Matt

2

Obligatory link here.

I assume you are talking about the two objects visible in that image, one above and one below the body of Andromeda. If so, they are M-110, and M-32. Both are smaller, companion galaxies that (I believe) are in orbit around Andromeda.

3

Like the Magellanic clouds around our galaxy?

4

Yes.

Actually, according to this there are around 15 dwarf galaxies in orbit around the Milky Way (huh! I didn’t know that!).

Also note, at the bottom of my cite (in this post), the text in relation to the movement of Andromeda:

5

So, Andromdea’s going to hit us? That’s gonna leave a mark.