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 significance of the collision that occurred around the time of the Sun's formation?

What methods did the researchers use to examine the effects of the crashes on star formation?