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Revised Galaxy Collision Probability: Milky Way-Andromeda Merger Less Likely
New research, using advanced supercomputing and data from the Hubble and Gaia telescopes, indicates only a 2% chance of a Milky Way-Andromeda collision within 5 billion years, primarily due to the gravitational influence of the Large Magellanic Cloud; a Milky Way-Large Magellanic Cloud merger is nearly certain within 2 billion years.
- What factors, previously unconsidered, did this study incorporate to reach its conclusions regarding the Milky Way's future, and how did these impact the results?
- The study, conducted by an international team, utilized 100,000 simulations incorporating observational uncertainties and the Large Magellanic Cloud's effect on the Milky Way's trajectory. This resulted in a significant shift from earlier predictions of a certain collision within 5 billion years to a much lower probability.
- What is the probability of a Milky Way-Andromeda collision within the next 5 billion years, according to this new research, and how does it differ from previous predictions?
- A new study using advanced supercomputing and data from the Hubble and Gaia telescopes reveals a 2% chance of a Milky Way-Andromeda galaxy collision within the next 5 billion years, contradicting previous predictions. This analysis included the gravitational influence of the Large Magellanic Cloud, a factor not fully considered in earlier models.
- What are the long-term implications of this revised timeline for the merger of the Milky Way and Andromeda, considering the Sun's projected lifespan, and what does it suggest about the accuracy of previous cosmological models?
- The research suggests a much longer timeframe, between 8 and 10 billion years, for a potential Milky Way-Andromeda merger, if it occurs at all. The study highlights the importance of incorporating previously unconsidered factors, like the Large Magellanic Cloud, in cosmological models. A merger between the Milky Way and the Large Magellanic Cloud is, however, almost certain within the next 2 billion years.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction emphasize the surprising and potentially revolutionary nature of the new study's findings, framing the previous belief as a theory now "put in quarantine." This potentially downplays the significant body of research that supported the previous collision prediction. The article prioritizes the new research's implications over a detailed discussion of the previous understanding.
Language Bias
The language used is mostly neutral and objective. However, phrases such as "tumbado una fascinante teoría cosmológica" (in Spanish, meaning "knocked down a fascinating cosmological theory") and "puesto en cuarentena" (in Spanish, meaning "put in quarantine") in the introduction might be slightly loaded, suggesting a more definitive rejection than the study's nuanced findings warrant. The use of "colosal Lactómeda" (meaning colossal Milkomeda) also adds a dramatic tone. More neutral alternatives could be "challenged" or "revised."
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the new study's findings and doesn't delve into alternative theories or dissenting viewpoints regarding galactic collisions. While acknowledging limitations of scope, it might benefit from briefly mentioning other relevant research or uncertainties to present a more balanced perspective.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a clear eitheor scenario: either the Milky Way and Andromeda will collide in 5 billion years, or they won't. It doesn't explore the possibility of a less direct or partial collision.