Cosmic Ignition Switch Discovered

[Barb]

"Astronomers have spotted what they think is evidence for the ignition switch that turns on super-bright galaxies called quasars.

The trigger was likely the merger of two galaxies, researchers said today."

Link to article

 

[GrnMarvl14]

Ouch. Two galaxies merging. I wonder where that would rank on the "sucks" scale of cosmic extinction?

 

[Barb]

Pretty high, I'd assume. At some point during this cosmic dance of death a black hole forms, and if your homeworld is unlucky enough to be close to it...bye-bye.

 

[Zhen Lin]

Ouch. Two galaxies merging. I wonder where that would rank on the "sucks" scale of cosmic extinction?

Not too bad, I imagine, since galaxies are mostly empty space. However, there is the possibility that your solar system gets ejected from the galaxy - which would be quite nasty.

Reminder: we are scheduled to merge with the Andromeda Galaxy in 3 billion years. Before the sun fizzles out.