Exploration by Arcadia
Astronomers
classify
galaxies into three types: elliptic spiral, and irregular. Their
representations here are hinted at by the enumeration of their clues,
where
only irregular galaxies' central cells are clued. Central cells of the
outside
galaxies can be organised to END UNLIT. All intra- or inter-galactic
entries
which touch the edge of the universe must start from there. Answers not
touching the universe's boundary must be entered in a clockwise
direction.
Clues to numbered answers, one of which sets the required orientation
of the
entire grid, are given in alphabetical order and must be entered where
they
will fit. The unclued normal entries can be derived from the
information given.
One clued entry is a prefix; another is the plural of an abbreviation.
Answers
to two starred clues can be verified online.
Clues
Galaxies
“Take in boardgame addicts?” they complain; abruptly scarper off! (8;4)
Before row, reportedly one's stronger, if elderly, repeatedly failing to understand (8,4)
Across the Atlantic, realises feet are special measures (8,4)
Once more, arrange guide over bumpy road, avoiding hard, long walk to Area Store (8,4)
Godslayers ends with independence retained; hunt marine predators close up (8;4)
Standard place for meeting nouvelle riche, just after acquiring old money, uncovered in vast quantity (8+5)
Retired doctor, guardian of small boy, arranging exchange in Manchester suburb (8; 4)
Avoiding heavy metal mostly, for fear that involving revamped Slade, surfacing, release covers in times of difficulty (8;4)
British need, they say, all what you'd expect to find here - brilliant performing arts (9,two words, +4)
9-letters
After opening boundaries, flying reptile no longer extinct
City small fry rejecting sample of Sweetings' rare shellfish
Succeeded in slowing down, impressed by caution
Belittling retired cardinals (mostly very old)? Good!
Birdlike intro – jazzy and heart-rendingly awful!
Bucket list expedition to Troyes starts with butt of wine - something sparkly!
US VP out of joint after concerning answer put forward again
Small nails made of pale brass
4-letters
Thread left in pigtail
Lamb the Devil fleeced
Licence for mining lead ore covering borders of Namibia
Boiled rice and fish roe*
Going west, what's carried by Ohio River current?
Short of power, rare castrato singer
Brand leader in sports kit's no good
Try to get king on former throne
Mississipian pottery centre first to open after September*
For imams, part of issue read regularly
Sumatra nature reserves shrew
Spews out failing hospital addresses on internet
Clues
Galaxies
“Take in boardgame addicts?” they complain; abruptly scarper off! (8;4)
Before row, reportedly one's stronger, if elderly, repeatedly failing to understand (8,4)
Across the Atlantic, realises feet are special measures (8,4)
Once more, arrange guide over bumpy road, avoiding hard, long walk to Area Store (8,4)
Godslayers ends with independence retained; hunt marine predators close up (8;4)
Standard place for meeting nouvelle riche, just after acquiring old money, uncovered in vast quantity (8+5)
Retired doctor, guardian of small boy, arranging exchange in Manchester suburb (8; 4)
Avoiding heavy metal mostly, for fear that involving revamped Slade, surfacing, release covers in times of difficulty (8;4)
British need, they say, all what you'd expect to find here - brilliant performing arts (9,two words, +4)
9-letters
After opening boundaries, flying reptile no longer extinct
City small fry rejecting sample of Sweetings' rare shellfish
Succeeded in slowing down, impressed by caution
Belittling retired cardinals (mostly very old)? Good!
Birdlike intro – jazzy and heart-rendingly awful!
Bucket list expedition to Troyes starts with butt of wine - something sparkly!
US VP out of joint after concerning answer put forward again
Small nails made of pale brass
4-letters
Thread left in pigtail
Lamb the Devil fleeced
Licence for mining lead ore covering borders of Namibia
Boiled rice and fish roe*
Going west, what's carried by Ohio River current?
Short of power, rare castrato singer
Brand leader in sports kit's no good
Try to get king on former throne
Mississipian pottery centre first to open after September*
For imams, part of issue read regularly
Sumatra nature reserves shrew
Spews out failing hospital addresses on internet
Entries
To enter this competition, input your solution into the website at https://cc.vellender.com before 8th January 2026. The first correct entry drawn from the hat will receive a bottle of champagne which is donated by Arcadia.
To enter this competition, input your solution into the website at https://cc.vellender.com before 8th January 2026. The first correct entry drawn from the hat will receive a bottle of champagne which is donated by Arcadia.