Explainer: How the Sagittarius galaxy has affected the formation of the Milky Way

The video discusses data from Gaia, a space observatory by the European Space Agency, which reveals the impact of the Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal galaxy on the Milky Way. The Sagittarius galaxy has repeatedly collided with the Milky Way, potentially influencing the formation of our Sun 4.7 billion years ago. Researchers analyzed star data within 6,500 light years of the Sun, comparing it with stellar evolution models to understand these effects. Gaia data identified three periods of increased star formation, coinciding with Sagittarius' collisions with the Milky Way.

What is the role of the Gaia space observatory in the study of the Milky Way?

• To monitor the weather patterns on Earth

• To explore the surface of Mars

• To study the rings of Saturn

• To observe the effects of the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy on the Milky Way

How did the collision of the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy potentially influence the formation of the Sun?

• By increasing the Sun's temperature

• By changing the color of the Sun

• By contributing to the Sun's creation

• By altering the Earth's orbit

What did researchers analyze to understand the effects of the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy's collisions?

• The speed of light

• The size of the Milky Way

• The luminosities, distances, and colors of stars

• The temperature of the Sun

What did the Gaia data reveal about star formation in the Milky Way?

• There were no significant changes in star formation

• Star formation decreased significantly

• Star formation was constant throughout

• There were three periods of increased star formation

When did the peaks of increased star formation occur according to Gaia data?

• 5.7 billion years ago, 1.9 billion years ago, and 1 billion years ago

• 3.5 billion years ago, 2 billion years ago, and 1.5 billion years ago

• 6 billion years ago, 2.5 billion years ago, and 1 billion years ago

• 4 billion years ago, 2 billion years ago, and 1 billion years ago