Milky Way and Galaxy Formation

The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy composed of dust, gas, stars, and other celestial bodies, all rotating around a central point. It formed shortly after the Big Bang, about 14 billion years ago, from molecular gas clouds that coalesced into star clusters and eventually galaxies. The Milky Way grew by merging with smaller galaxies, forming its current spiral shape. It continues to evolve and form new stars. In approximately 4 billion years, it will collide with the Andromeda galaxy, resulting in a larger elliptical galaxy.

What type of galaxy is the Milky Way?

• Elliptical

• Spiral

• Irregular

• Lenticular

Approximately how long after the Big Bang did the Milky Way form?

• 5 billion years

• 10 billion years

• 1 billion years

• 14 billion years

What process led to the formation of the first galaxies in the universe?

• Nuclear fusion

• Gravitational attraction of star clusters

• Black hole formation

• Supernova explosions

How did the Milky Way primarily grow in size?

• By increasing its rotational speed

• By expanding its spiral arms

• By merging with other smaller galaxies

• By forming new stars

What is the future event involving the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy?

• They will merge to form an elliptical galaxy

• They will drift apart

• They will remain unchanged

• They will collide and form a spiral galaxy

In how many years is the Milky Way expected to merge with the Andromeda galaxy?

• 2 billion years

• 4 billion years

• 1 billion years

• 3 billion years