Can a star drift through intergalactic space?

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SUMMARY

Stars can drift through intergalactic space, although they are difficult to detect. They do not form outside galaxies or globular clusters; instead, they become unbound during galaxy interactions, such as mergers, where they gain sufficient velocity to escape the gravitational pull of their host galaxy. Additionally, 'rogue' stars can be ejected from the Milky Way due to interactions with the supermassive black hole at its center, which can fling stars from binary systems at high velocities. Currently, about five such rogue stars have been confirmed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of galaxy dynamics and interactions
  • Knowledge of stellar formation and evolution
  • Familiarity with the concept of escape velocity
  • Basic comprehension of black hole physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research galaxy mergers and their effects on star distribution
  • Study the mechanics of escape velocity in astrophysics
  • Explore the formation and characteristics of rogue stars
  • Investigate the role of supermassive black holes in stellar dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students interested in stellar dynamics and galaxy interactions will benefit from this discussion.

Holocene
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Is it possible to have a star drifting through intergalactic space?
 
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Yes, although they would be impossible for us to see, or at least impossible for us to identify as being intergalactic.

Stars don't form outside of galaxies or globular clusters, however when galaxies interact (i.e. smash into each other) material gets stripped off and some of the stars will become unbound to the new galaxy made by the merger of the two, where by unbound it means they have sufficient velocity to exceed the escape velocity of the new galaxy. These stars will then be exiled to the relatively empty space between galaxies.
 
'Rogue' stars also originate within the milky way. The supermassive black hole at the center of the MW is believed to occasionally sling one member of an inspiraling binary system outward at high velocity. These are deemed to be very rare events and unlikely to pose a threat to earth. About 5 such examples have been confirmed to date. See:
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Rogue_Star_Dangers_Thought_Slight.html
 

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