Study of far-away galaxy reveals out-of-this world answers

Image:Orion Nebula M42 with Galaxy,Open Cluster,Globular Cluster, stars and space dust in the universe and Milky way taken by dedicated astrophotography camera on telescope

A detailed cross-section of a galaxy widely similar to the Milky Way has shone a light on how our own galaxy formed as a gradual process, not by a freak collision. Astronomers from the University of Sydney studied the galaxy called “UGC 10738”, which is made of ‘thick’ and ‘thin’ discs like the Milky Way and consists mostly of ancient stars. Astronomers found the Milky Way’s formation was more a peaceful process than originally understood.

Produced By: Tahlia Kraefft

Featured In Story: Dr Nic Scott, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Sydney

First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 1 June 2021