The known Universe

[quark]

Amazing

[Alphanumeric]

After allowing it to load (crappy connection), I can admit to almost tearing up at "The galaxies we have mapped so far".
Frakin remarkable.

But on a sadder note, I was thinking over the concepts of dark matter and dark energy. From my understanding, and I forget which of the two it is, one is said to keep galaxies intact, while the other forces them apart. However, thinking of Andromeda and the possobility that our galaxy and it will collide and intertwine makes me question these theories. Anyway, if there is reality to the idea that galaxies are being forced apart, I sadly question the possibility of alien contact. What's the likelihood that the continual spreading out of the universe won't diminish the chances of contact? :'(

[Babygirl-]

The universe is huge.

[quark]

Alpha, dark matter is what keeps hold on the galaxies and the reason why we are colliding with andromeda, is because its in the neighborhood. 2 million lightyears

[Alphanumeric]

Alpha, dark matter is what keeps hold on the galaxies and the reason why we are colliding with andromeda, is because its in the neighborhood. 2 million lightyears

Yes but, dark matter is said to keep the stars within the galaxies together, while dark energy forces galaxies apart. So, confused.

[quark]

Since andromeda and our milkyway are part of the local group of galaxies, our mutual gravitational pull keeps us together and as you said, heading to collision course. but galaxies futher away are accelarating away from us at an insane speed which will disapear from our sight in the future. Remember what we now see is light which has been travelling to us for billion of years. we dont know whats really happening this very moment. we see the andromeda galaxy has it was 2 million years ago.

[Alphanumeric]

So many questions...

[tightrope]

[youtube]DI9ImScQGAo&feature=related[/youtube]