Which of these events can happen when galaxies collide?
a. galaxies merge
b. galaxies disappear
c. galaxies destroy their stars
d. galaxies triple in size
a. galaxies merge
which galaxy will collide with the Milky Way in several billion years?
a. Andromeda
b. Local Group
c. Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxy
d. Large Magellanic Cloud
a. Andromeda
When galaxies collide, several events can occur. These include:
a. Galaxies merge: During a collision, the gravitational forces can cause the galaxies to merge together into a single, larger galaxy.
c. Galaxies destroy their stars: The gravitational forces exerted during a collision can disrupt the normal orbits of stars within the galaxies. This can result in the destruction of some stars or the creation of new star-forming regions.
d. Galaxies triple in size: Depending on the angles and velocities at which the galaxies collide, it is possible for them to significantly increase in size. However, this depends on various factors and is not the most common outcome.
b. Galaxies disappear: It is unlikely for galaxies to completely disappear as a result of a collision. However, the collision can alter the shape and structure of the galaxies, leading to significant changes in their appearance.
When galaxies collide, various events can occur. Let's break down the options you provided:
a. Galaxies merge: This is one possible outcome when galaxies collide. The gravitational forces between the galaxies can cause them to merge and form a single, larger galaxy. This merging process can take millions of years.
b. Galaxies disappear: While it is highly unlikely for galaxies to completely disappear after colliding, they can undergo significant changes in shape and structure. However, the overall mass and material of the galaxies typically remain intact.
c. Galaxies destroy their stars: When galaxies collide, the gravitational interactions can cause disturbances in the distribution of gas, dust, and stars within the galaxies. Some stars may be flung out or disrupted, but it is rare for entire galaxies to destroy all their stars.
d. Galaxies triple in size: Although the collision process can cause galaxies to change in size and shape, tripling in size would be an extreme outcome and is unlikely. The increase in size is typically more modest.
To summarize, when galaxies collide, the most probable outcome is a merge, where the galaxies combine to form a larger galaxy. The other options – galaxies disappearing, destroying their stars, or tripling in size – are less common or unlikely scenarios.