Chapter 1
The cosmic roadmap
Chapter 2
The physics of a smash-up
Chapter 3
The birth of Milkomeda
Chapter 4
Collisions across the cosmic web
YOUR GOAL
Master of When galaxies collide
Ch 1 · The cosmic roadmap
artiteacher Andromeda Milky Way Collision
Galaxies gonna merge! Milky Way and Andromeda, 4.5 billion years.
artiteacher The Milky Way and Andromeda are the two heavyweights dominating our local neighborhood of over 50 galaxies.
artiteacher In 1912, astronomer Vesto Slipher discovered that Andromeda's light is blueshifted, meaning it is moving toward us.
Fun Fact
Andromeda's size: If Andromeda were brighter, it would appear six times wider than the full moon in our night sky.
Glossary
trajectory (noun)
The path followed by a projectile flying or an object moving under the action of given forces. In 2012, astronomers used Hubble telescope data to plot the neighboring galaxy's path toward us.
The path followed by a projectile flying or an object moving under the action of given forces. In 2012, astronomers used Hubble telescope data to plot the neighboring galaxy's path toward us.
Quiz
What is the name of the galactic cluster that contains both the Milky Way and Andromeda?
Quiz
Which space telescope was used in 2012 to confirm Andromeda is on a direct collision course?