Question

from the size and mass of m31, and the size and mass of a typical star (i.e., the sun), estimate the likelihood for two stars to collide when m31 and the mw pass through one another in ~109 yrs.

Answer 1

The likelihood of a star collision when M31 and MW pass through each other is extremely low due to large distances between stars within galaxies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question concerns an estimate for the likelihood of a star-on-star collision when the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and our Milky Way Galaxy (MW) pass through one another, which is expected to happen in approximately 4 billion years. Given the vast size of galaxies and the relatively small size of stars, like our Sun, the chance of two stars colliding is incredibly small. To understand this, consider the density of stars within the galaxies and the immense spaces between them. Astronomical observations and calculations using Kepler's third law can help us estimate the masses of these galaxies and the dynamics of their stars, revealing that direct collisions are improbable, though their gravitational interactions will dramatically alter the galaxies' shapes.