Comments on: Galaxies closer together than stars http://blog.johndcook.com/2008/01/10/galaxies-closer-together-than-stars/ The blog of John D. Cook Thu, 17 May 2012 02:23:50 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.1 By: John http://blog.johndcook.com/2008/01/10/galaxies-closer-together-than-stars/#comment-3 John Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:58:59 +0000 http://blog.johndcook.com/2008/01/10/galaxies-closer-together-than-stars/#comment-3 I heard the comparison of the relative distances between stars and galaxies in The Canon by Natalie Angier. I tested out the comparison by getting the raw numbers in my post from Wikipedia and doing a little arithmetic. As far as the big bang theory, it's very well established empirically. Indeed the galaxies are rushing away from each other, on average. But some galaxies are getting closer, even passing through each other. Since galaxies are closer packed than stars, relative to their size, it's more common for galaxies to collide than stars. And because stars are so loosely packed, galaxies can pass through each other without stars colliding. I heard the comparison of the relative distances between stars and galaxies in The Canon by Natalie Angier. I tested out the comparison by getting the raw numbers in my post from Wikipedia and doing a little arithmetic. As far as the big bang theory, it’s very well established empirically. Indeed the galaxies are rushing away from each other, on average. But some galaxies are getting closer, even passing through each other. Since galaxies are closer packed than stars, relative to their size, it’s more common for galaxies to collide than stars. And because stars are so loosely packed, galaxies can pass through each other without stars colliding.

]]> By: S. Walker http://blog.johndcook.com/2008/01/10/galaxies-closer-together-than-stars/#comment-2 S. Walker Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:01:18 +0000 http://blog.johndcook.com/2008/01/10/galaxies-closer-together-than-stars/#comment-2 Is this just something you heard, or do you have a source? (Either Google or ask.com is usually my friend, but not this time.) I wonder if this poses any problem for the BBT. One would think galaxies would be radiating out from one another at a rapid pace, if the BBT were correct. Is this just something you heard, or do you have a source? (Either Google or ask.com is usually my friend, but not this time.)

I wonder if this poses any problem for the BBT. One would think galaxies would be radiating out from one another at a rapid pace, if the BBT were correct.

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