2007-01-04 08:59:51 · 10 answers · asked by Sveta 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Absolutely! Galaxies mergers and collisions are an essential component of galaxy formation. They account for observed star formation rates and the split in galaxy morphology (the way galaxies are classified according to the Hubble "tuning fork")
Indeed as mcgyver said, our galaxy has already undergone an interaction with another galaxy. Current thinking in galaxy formation is that spiral galaxies such as ours and Andromeda arise from mergers and interactions between two elliptical galaxies.
If you want to see two spirals colliding, you might have to wait a long time. Otherwise, pop over to
http://www.mpa-garching.mpg.de/galform/data_vis/
This group specialises in computer simulations of galaxy formation and mergers / interations. If you're interested in more eye-candy, take a look at the Virgo Consortium (which MPA are a member of),
http://www.virgo.dur.ac.uk
You can also see a simluation of the Milky Way - Andromeda merger here :
http://www.aip.de/People/MSteinmetz/E/movies.html
Be warned some of the movies are quite large in size! Have fun!
2007-01-04 09:38:08 · answer #1 · answered by David M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't happen very often, but they can and do collide. Actually, about 3 billion years from now, our Milky Way galaxy will collide with the Andromeda galaxy
2007-01-04 09:03:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they do actually. Have you ever heard of a Cartwheel galaxy? They are very beautiful I think, and they are made by 2 galaxies colliding. Try looking up a picture of one, or better yet, here you go, here's a picture...
http://burro.astr.cwru.edu/Academics/Astr222/Galaxies/Peculiar/Cartwheel.jpg
You can probably find many more, and I'm sorry I couldn't give you more facts, but I think it's absolutely amazing, and would take way to long for me to get into one of my lectures that I really enjoy :) Have an awesome day!!! :)
2007-01-04 10:57:53 · answer #3 · answered by Emilie C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They certainly do..... Goggle it, there are hundreds of examples. The Hubble space telescope web site has several photos to be seen. In fact the Milky Way is likely to collide with Andromeda in several billions of years time.
2007-01-04 09:49:59 · answer #4 · answered by WINGER 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ABSOLUTLY and in 2 billion year Our MILKY WAY and the ANDROMEDA galaxy will collide, the coalesing will take another 2 billion years. here link to some pretty pics of galaxies either in the process of colliding or on there way
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap040612.html
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap041121.html
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap050404.html
2007-01-04 09:07:00 · answer #5 · answered by darkpheonix262 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, all over. It is however very soft. There is a lot of open space between the stars for them to move between each other. Think of two flocks of birds flying at each other head on. They may change a little bit, but will not go banging heads.
The gravitational effects, especially near the centers of each galaxy, will pull on other stars. Over many millions of years, the two galaxies may - or may not merge into one.
2007-01-04 09:06:11 · answer #6 · answered by orlandobillybob 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure do,see the Hubble website.
2007-01-04 09:02:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah they do and have but it mostly just happens in songs and in metaphor...
The milky way is next to hit Andromeda...
2007-01-04 09:07:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
they did 3 billion years ago
2007-01-04 09:08:48 · answer #9 · answered by macgyver 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
dam it, i wish i would be here to see that...maybe i can be the acception?? Please??
2007-01-04 09:07:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋