Galaxies NGC 5713 and NGC 5719 Are Headed for a Cosmic Collision
Astronomers have been studying two spiral galaxies, NGC 5713 and NGC 5719, which are currently approaching each other and will eventually merge into one. Each galaxy is surrounded by a swarm of smaller satellites performing complex movements.
Researchers on the Delegate project are focusing on understanding this cosmic dance. They aim to grasp how galaxies behave when they move closer together due to gravitational influence. The movement appears more intricate than initially thought.
The study, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, delves into NGC5713 and NGC5719 – two massive spiral systems with dwarf satellite clusters. Dwarf satellites have garnered significant attention from scientists, as their movements resemble a delicate dance around large galaxy systems nearing merger.
This research is crucial for understanding our own star system’s future, particularly the Milky Way and Andromeda Galaxy. In 2.5-3 billion years, NGC 5713 and NGC 5719 will merge, an event already happening in the Local Group. While scientists acknowledge this collision won’t threaten Earth, many questions remain.
The two largest galaxies in the Local Group are also surrounded by numerous satellites, a halo of ordinary matter, and dark matter hidden within it. These findings challenge current models predicting galaxy interactions. By observing other star systems’ dances, researchers aim to revise their understanding of galaxy interaction dynamics.
Source: https://universemagazine.com/en/dance-of-dwarf-galaxies-reveals-possible-future-of-milky-way