Are LMC, SMC approaching the Milky Way ?

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In summary, after calculating the velocities of the LMC and SMC using data and accounting for the Sun's velocity, it seems that both galaxies are approaching the Milky Way. However, there are other galaxies in our Local Group that are closer and also moving towards the Milky Way, such as Andromeda. Additionally, new information suggests that the LMC and SMC may not be as bound to the Milky Way as previously thought.
  • #1
Widdekind
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Are LMC, SMC approaching the Milky Way ??

Are the LMC & SMC approaching towards, or receding from, the MWG ?

According to my calculations, using the data from here, and accounting for a ~220 km / sec velocity of the Sun, towards galactic longitude b=90 degrees, the LMC is moving nearly 40km/sec, towards b=90 degrees, in the rest frame of the MWG, while the SMC is moving nearly +100km/sec in the same said direction.

If the calculations are correct, both the LMC & SMC seem to be moving towards the MWG. But is this correct?
 
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  • #2


According to http://www.maa.clell.de/Messier/E/Xtra/NGC/lmc.html
"Both Magellanic Clouds are irregular dwarf galaxies orbiting our Milky Way galaxy, and thus are members of our Local Group of galaxies."

There are closer galaxies - http://www.maa.clell.de/Messier/E/More/cma_dw.html and http://www.maa.clell.de/Messier/E/More/sagdeg.html

Apparently the Andromeda galaxy is moving toward MWG. "The modern values for Galactic rotation and heliocentric radial velocity yield that the Andromeda Galaxy and the Milky Way are approaching each other at about 100 km/sec."
http://www.seds.org/messier/m/m031.html

http://www.seds.org/messier/more/local.html

Apparently there is new information on the LMC and SMC. They may not be as bound to the MWG as previously thought.
http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/oir/eg/lmc.html
http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0508457
 
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  • #3


Thanks for the response & refs !
 

1. What are the LMC and SMC?

The LMC (Large Magellanic Cloud) and SMC (Small Magellanic Cloud) are two small galaxies located near the Milky Way. They are considered to be satellite galaxies of the Milky Way, meaning they orbit around it.

2. Are the LMC and SMC approaching the Milky Way?

Yes, the LMC and SMC are currently moving towards the Milky Way. However, their exact trajectory and speed are still being studied by scientists.

3. How will the approach of the LMC and SMC affect the Milky Way?

The approach of the LMC and SMC will likely result in gravitational interactions between the galaxies. This can lead to changes in the structure and motion of stars in the Milky Way, and potentially even trigger star formation.

4. When will the LMC and SMC merge with the Milky Way?

The exact timing of the merger is uncertain, but it is predicted to occur in around 2-4 billion years. This is a relatively short timescale in astronomical terms.

5. Is there any danger to Earth from the approaching LMC and SMC?

No, there is no danger to Earth from the LMC and SMC. They are still far enough away that their gravitational effects on our solar system are minimal. The merger is also not expected to have any major impact on our planet.

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