Andromeda eats other galaxies

[Deckerd]

Astronomers have seen traces of other galaxies in Andromeda and the gigantic galaxy is still hungry.

Linky

 

[SilentP]

....now all we need is a smiley with Andromeda going 'WAKKA! WAKKA! WAKKA!'

 

[All Seeing Eye]

I thought we knew bigger Galaxies were eating smaller Galaxies anyway.

 

[SilentP]

The article states that it's been supposed that it happens, but this is the first actual evidence to show it happening.

From the article, emphasis mine:

This consumption of stars has been suggested previously, but the team's ultra-deep survey has provided detailed images to show that it took place.
This shows the "hierarchical model" of galaxy formation in action.
The model predicts that large galaxies should be surrounded by relics of smaller galaxies they have consumed.

 

[Deckerd]

There are two other galaxies very close to Andromeda. They're called satellite galaxies but I wonder if they're the next snack?

 

[Alpha_Geek]

At the rate these things happen, it's hard to say if our descendants will watch Andeomeda finish those two off.

 

[SilentP]

How long have the 'orbits' for those galaxies been studied? The article did mention something about stars from another galaxy 'stretching' towards Andromeda, so are they the ones around Andromeda, or is it another random galaxy nearby? I guess only watching the movement of the satellite galaxies would determine if they're truly in orbit, or are just taking their time being chomped on.

 

[Australis]

We have 2 satellite galazies (the Magellanic Clouds), but, iirc, they're moving away from us, not being absorbed.

 

[Shaw]

We have 2 satellite galazies (the Magellanic Clouds), but, iirc, they're moving away from us, not being absorbed.

Are you talking about the Canis Major and Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxies?

 

[Deckerd]

There are two Sagittarius dwarf galaxies. One 70,000 light years away and one 4 million light years away.

 

[Christopher]

We have 2 satellite galazies (the Magellanic Clouds), but, iirc, they're moving away from us, not being absorbed.

Are you talking about the Canis Major and Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxies?

No, the Magellanic clouds are much larger satellite galaxies that have been known for centuries longer than those two. Actually our galaxy has a dozen known satellite galaxies, including those four:

http://www.atlasoftheuniverse.com/sattelit.html

 

[ThunderAeroI]

Its too bad none of us will be around then the big two meet and eat each other. Which if I understand things correctly will be all the visible universe at the time.

 

[trekkiedane]

And eventually even the Milky Way and Andromeda will merge...

 

[Supreme Admiral]

I can't believe that Andromeda is still hungry!