❓ why
Why do galaxies collide without their stars usually hitting each other?
Quick Answer
Stars are so far apart that even in a galaxy collision, direct star-to-star collisions are extremely unlikely. Instead, gravity distorts the galaxies, and gas clouds collide and form new stars.
The Full Story
Galaxies are mostly empty space compared with the size of their visible disks. When two galaxies merge, their stars usually pass by each other because the distances between stars are enormous. The real interactions are gravitational: orbits are disrupted, gas clouds collide, and star formation can intensify. The Milky Way and Andromeda are expected to begin merging in about 4 to 5 billion years.
Key Facts
1.The Milky Way and Andromeda may merge in about 4–5 billion years
2.Stars are separated by vast distances, even in dense galactic regions
3.Gas and dust are much more likely to collide than stars
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"What really happens when galaxies crash?"
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