‘Fossil galaxy’ found hidden deep inside the Milky Way: study

The Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE) discovered a fossil galaxy named Hercules within the Milky Way. This galaxy collided with the Milky Way 10 billion years ago, contributing significantly to its mass. The collision was hidden by interstellar dust, making it difficult to observe. Using data from over half a million stars, scientists identified stars with unique chemical compositions, indicating their origin from another galaxy. This discovery suggests the Milky Way's unusual history compared to other spiral galaxies.

What significant discovery did the APOGEE project make regarding the Milky Way?

• A new star formation region

• A fossil galaxy named Hercules

• A black hole at the center

• A new planet in the solar system

How did the ancient collision with Hercules impact the Milky Way?

• It created a new star cluster

• It formed the Milky Way's spiral arms

• It contributed to the mass of the Milky Way's halo

• It caused the Milky Way to shrink

What challenge did scientists face in observing the Hercules galaxy?

• Lack of advanced telescopes

• Interstellar dust obscuring the view

• Hercules being too far away

• Hercules moving too fast

What was unique about the stars identified by Danny Horta's team?

• They were the oldest stars in the Milky Way

• They were located in the outer rim of the Milky Way

• They had unusual chemical compositions and velocities

• They were the brightest stars observed

What does the collision with Hercules suggest about the Milky Way's history?

• It had a typical early life like other galaxies

• It had an unusually traumatic early life

• It was formed much later than other galaxies

• It has always been a stable galaxy