The Andromeda-Milky Way Collision

In 4 billion years, the Andromeda Galaxy will collide with the Milky Way, creating a spectacular cosmic event. Historically, Andromeda was debated as a separate galaxy, confirmed by Edwin Hubble's observations. Modern techniques have measured its velocity, predicting an inevitable collision. Simulations show the merger will form a new elliptical galaxy, with minimal impact on the solar system. Future astronomers will witness a transformed night sky, while the Sun expands into a red giant.

What is the estimated time frame for the Andromeda Galaxy to collide with the Milky Way?

• 6 billion years

• 2 billion years

• 4 billion years

• 1 billion years

Who was the first to provide evidence that Andromeda is a separate galaxy from the Milky Way?

• Immanuel Kant

• Vesto Slipher

• Edwin Hubble

• Roeland van der Marel

What method did Edwin Hubble use to determine the distance to the Andromeda Galaxy?

• Doppler shift measurements

• Cepheid variable stars

• Gravitational lensing

• Parallax measurements

What is the transverse velocity of the Andromeda Galaxy as calculated by Roeland van der Marel's team?

• 30 kilometers per second

• 25 kilometers per second

• 17 kilometers per second

• 10 kilometers per second

What is the likely outcome for the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies after their collision?

• They will form a new spiral galaxy

• They will form a new irregular galaxy

• They will merge into an elliptical galaxy

• They will pass by each other without merging

What is the probability of a star from Andromeda passing inside Neptune's orbit during the collision?

• 1 in 100,000

• 1 in 1,000

• 1 in 10 million

• 1 in 10,000

What might happen to the Sun and the solar system during the collision of the Milky Way and Andromeda?

• The Sun will become a supernova

• The solar system will remain within the new galaxy

• The solar system will be ejected into intergalactic space

• The Sun will collide with another star