In the journey of exploring the universe, each new discovery brings unique perspectives and sometimes, lively debates within the scientific community.
Disturbances Beyond the Milky Way and the Challenge of the “Wave Model”
The phenomenon of disturbances beyond the Milky Way, in simple terms, refers to the effects from celestial bodies outside that influence the motion of stars within it. One prominent hypothesis suggests that the origin of this phenomenon is the Sagittarius dwarf elliptical galaxy, located on the edge of the Milky Way. However, researchers at Lund University have proposed a “wave model,” based on the assumption that these disturbances result from gravitational waves emanating from the aforementioned dwarf galaxy.
The contentious point lies in the discrepancy between the model’s predictions and actual observational data. Factors such as the mass, structure, and distribution of the Sagittarius dwarf elliptical galaxy have not been fully modeled. Additionally, gravitational effects from the Milky Way itself or other nearby objects may contribute to disturbances that the “wave model” has yet to account for.
This hypothesis indicates that to gain a clearer understanding, the scientific community requires more accurate empirical data and the development of more complex models to decode the true origins of the disturbances within the Milky Way.
The Milky Way is not a static galaxy system.
Recently, a study by a team of scientists at Lund University in Sweden published noteworthy results in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society regarding the phenomenon of disturbances beyond the Milky Way. However, the hypotheses put forth by this research group have not escaped scrutiny, raising many questions about the complex motion mechanisms of the universe.
The Expansion and Merging of Galaxies: A Distinct Approach
The Milky Way is not a static galaxy system. The processes of expansion and merging of galaxies have captured the particular interest of astronomers. In this context, the proximity of the Milky Way to the Andromeda galaxy raises intriguing questions about the interaction mechanisms between galaxies.
A traditional viewpoint holds that galaxies expand and merge primarily through the process of “assimilation,” where smaller galaxies are absorbed into larger ones. However, a new perspective suggests that this proximity may result from the expansion of space following the Big Bang. According to this approach, the expansion of space has pulled galaxies closer together, rather than due to direct interaction.
This viewpoint offers a novel explanation for the development and merging of galaxies, emphasizing that natural cosmic factors may play a larger role than collisions or assimilations between galaxies. Over a prolonged developmental process, galaxies may undergo multiple phases of expansion and contraction without necessarily interacting directly.
Humanity and the Distant Future of Earth
Changes in the structure of the universe are not only of academic significance but could also impact the long-term future of Earth and humanity. One predicted scenario among scientists is the merger between the Milky Way and Andromeda in approximately 3.75 billion years. This raises the question: will life on Earth be able to continue after this event?
Scientists argue that while Earth may be affected by significant cosmic events, changes to the planet’s habitat are likely to stem not from galactic mergers but from intrinsic factors. For example, geological activity on Earth may lead to significant alterations in climate and terrain, creating new ecosystems.
Additionally, humanity may turn towards exploring other planets to ensure survival in the future. Mars is the leading candidate, with major projects underway to transform the red planet into a habitable environment. Furthermore, other planets and moons such as Jupiter’s Europa or Saturn’s Titan are being considered as potential “homes” in the future.
The Milky Way is not only our home but also a grand story.
Hope in a Changing Universe
Despite facing numerous challenges, humanity still has reasons to be optimistic about its ability to adapt and survive the significant changes in the universe. Advances in space technology, along with an increasingly profound understanding of the motion mechanisms of galaxies, will help us better prepare for the future.
The Milky Way is not only our home but also a grand story, continuously being written by new discoveries. With every question answered, we draw closer to understanding our place in the vast universe. Current scientific debates, such as those surrounding the “wave model” or the mechanisms of galactic merging, are merely the beginning of deeper explorations in the future.
