New research has stunned astronomers by revealing that galaxies are much bigger than previously thought, perhaps several times larger. The study, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, used new imaging techniques to detect large “halos” of gas extending far into deep space.
These gas halos were previously unknown and have changed our understanding of galaxy size. In fact, they extend so far that galaxies actually interact with each other. Our own Milky Way is likely interacting with its closest neighbor, Andromeda, which is around 2.5 million light years away.
The discovery will help scientists understand how galaxies evolve over time. By studying the gas halos of different types of galaxies, researchers can learn more about how they build mass and interact with each other.
The findings have significant implications for our understanding of the universe, revealing a much larger and more complex cosmos than previously thought.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/galaxies-are-much-bigger-than-we-thought-study-reveals/a-70154211