How long will it take for the mice galaxies to merge?

Question

Just wondering what kind of timescale we are talking about here?

Also, if you could briefly outline the merging process and what tends to happen after it's all done. I know it's not a simple question, but an answer would be appreciated, I don't mind references as an answer, as long as they are good ones! Thanks

Answer 1

they likely already passed through the other. They will probably collide again and again until they coalesce. The long tails are created by the relative difference between gravitational pulls on the near and far parts of each galaxy. Because the distances are so large, the cosmic interaction takes place in slow motion -- over hundreds of millions of years.

Answer 2

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap08022...

read the caption to the picture

EDIT:

Shame on you to:

Masaaki Ohyama Member since:

June 24, 2008

Total points:

192 (Level 1)

It is very wrong and even illegal to plagerize published cpoywrighted meterials.  You have been reported and you should be sent to jail!