Why is the closing velocity of Andromeda and our galaxy so high?

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    Andromeda Galaxy
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relatively high closing velocity of the Andromeda galaxy and the Milky Way, specifically questioning the implications and context of this velocity, which is noted to be around 100-140 km/s. Participants explore various factors that might influence this measurement, including historical conditions in the universe.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the closing velocity of 100-140 km/s is not particularly large when compared to other velocities, such as Earth's orbital speed around the Sun (30 km/s) and the Sun's speed around the center of the galaxy (220 km/s).
  • Another participant suggests that the environment of the early universe may have been significantly different, potentially involving a greater number of nearby galaxies and fragments, which could influence current velocities.
  • A third participant mentions that the Triangulum galaxy (M 33) has a velocity of approximately 190 km/s towards the Milky Way, adding context to the velocities being discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance of the closing velocity, with some questioning its magnitude relative to other galactic velocities, while others propose historical factors that could affect current measurements. No consensus is reached regarding the implications of these velocities.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully explore the underlying assumptions about galaxy interactions or the specific conditions of the early universe, leaving some aspects of the discussion unresolved.

zankaon
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Why is the closing velocity of Andromeda and our galaxy so high? 100-140 kms^-1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andromeda_(astronomy)"
 
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zankaon said:
Why is the closing velocity of Andromeda and our galaxy so high? 100-140 kms^-1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andromeda_(astronomy)"

This not a particularly large speed. For example, the orbital speed of the Earth with respect to the Sun is 30 km/s, and the Sun's orbital speed about the centre of our galaxy is 220 km/s.
 
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Perhaps in earlier universe, the small cluster environment was very different; perhaps with many more closer galaxies and what we might call fragments of galaxies. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubble_Deep_Field_North"
 
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