Galaxies Colliding: A Rare Phenomenon in Space

In summary, there are several examples of colliding galaxies, such as the Antennae Galaxies, which are distorted spiral galaxies located about 70 million light-years away. When galaxies collide, the dark matter around them is affected, as seen in the "bullet cluster." This collision also generates a lot of heat, but it is unlikely to result in a supernova. Galaxies are largely empty space, so the chances of stars colliding during a merger are very low.
  • #1
Sobhan
35
0
have we ever seen galaxies collide?
 
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  • #2
there are several examples of colliding galaxies

here's one of many examples ...
The Antennae Galaxies (also known as NGC 4038 and 4039) are a pair of distorted colliding spiral galaxies about 70 million light-years away, in the constellation of Corvus

antennae_coverta_1824sm.jpg
 
  • #4
I'd be interested to know what the dark matter around the galaxies do when do of them come together.
 
  • #5
newjerseyrunner said:
I'd be interested to know what the dark matter around the galaxies do when do of them come together.
Google "bullet cluster"
 
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  • #6
does the collision emit lots of energy like a supernova
 
  • #7
Sobhan said:
does the collision emit lots of energy like a supernova
There is a lot of heat generated by merging dust clouds. Suns and planets barely notice each other. I'd guess nothing anywere close to a supernova.
 
  • #8
Although galaxies look like solid objects they are largely empty space and the distances between star systems and other massive objects is huge.
The chances of two very massive stars colliding is really low, but not impossible, if it happened a one-off supernova might result.
The chances of multiple stellar collisions happening continually whilst the galaxies merge is so low that it might as well be zero.
 

What is a galaxy collision?

A galaxy collision is a rare phenomenon in space where two or more galaxies come into close proximity and their gravitational forces cause them to merge.

How often do galaxy collisions occur?

Galaxy collisions are relatively rare events and are estimated to occur about once every few billion years. However, this can vary depending on the size and location of the galaxies involved.

What happens when galaxies collide?

When galaxies collide, their gravitational forces cause them to merge and form a new, larger galaxy. This process can also trigger the formation of new stars and can lead to changes in the structure and appearance of the galaxies involved.

Are there any dangers associated with galaxy collisions?

While galaxy collisions may seem dramatic, they are actually relatively safe for the galaxies involved. This is because the distances between stars and other objects within galaxies are so vast that collisions between individual objects are unlikely to occur.

How do scientists study galaxy collisions?

Scientists study galaxy collisions using various tools and techniques, including telescopes, computer simulations, and observations of the light and other forms of radiation emitted by the galaxies involved. By studying these collisions, scientists can better understand the formation and evolution of galaxies.

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