Milky Way Galaxy Devoured Smaller Galaxy 11.8 Billion Years Ago

Scientists have discovered that our Milky Way galaxy absorbed a smaller galaxy approximately 11.8 billion years ago. This ancient galactic merger provides new insights into the Milky Way's formation and evolution.

18 Aug, 09:00 — 18 Aug, 16:58

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Why this matters

Understanding the history of galactic mergers helps astronomers piece together the evolution of our own Milky Way. These events are crucial for shaping the structure, size, and stellar populations of galaxies over cosmic time.

Key entitiesMilky Way

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cbcHigh10d ago

Our Milky Way galaxy gobbled up a smaller galaxy about 11.8 billion years ago, scientists find

Scientists observing clusters of stars congregated near the Milky Way's centre have discovered evidence that our galaxy swallowed a smaller galaxy roughly 11.8 billion years ago, when the universe was less than 15 per cent of its current age.

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SCMPMostly Factual10d ago

The Milky Way swallowed a smaller galaxy about 11.8 billion years ago

The Milky Way, a ⁠large and spiral-shaped galaxy that is home to hundreds of billions of stars including our sun, has taken a long and complicated path to achieve its current dimensions, as illustrated by new research documenting a milestone event early in its history. Scientists observing clusters of stars congregated near the Milky Way’s centre have discovered evidence that our galaxy swallowed a smaller galaxy roughly 11.8 billion years ago, when the universe was less ‌than 15 per cent of ...

By Reuters

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irish-independent10d ago