The Milky Way's future evolution over billions of years from "summary" of The Milky Way by Moiya McTier
As we peer into the distant future of our Milky Way galaxy, we begin to see a complex and fascinating story unfold. Over billions of years, our galaxy will continue to evolve and change in ways both subtle and dramatic. One key aspect of this evolution is the ongoing process of star formation. New stars will continue to be born throughout the galaxy, as vast clouds of gas and dust collapse under the force of gravity. These young stars will shine brightly for millions or even billions of years, before eventually running out of fuel and fading away. As stars age and die, they release vast amounts of energy in the form of light and heat. This energy can have a profound impact on the surrounding environment, shaping the structure and composition of the galaxy itself. Over time, the Milky Way will continue to grow and change, as new stars are born and old stars die. In addition to the ongoing process of star formation, the Milky Way will also be shaped by the gravitational interactions between its various components. As stars and other objects move through the galaxy, they can be influenced by the gravitational pull of nearby objects. These interactions can lead to the formation of spiral arms, star clusters, and other structures that help to define the overall shape of the galaxy.- The Milky Way will continue to evolve and change in response to these and other factors. While many of these changes will be gradual and imperceptible on human timescales, they will ultimately have a profound impact on the future of our galaxy. By studying the evolution of the Milky Way, we can gain valuable insights into the processes that shape galaxies throughout the universe. As we continue to explore and learn more about our own galaxy, we deepen our understanding of the vast and wondrous cosmos in which we live.
