Greedy Galaxy is Getting Bigger

Space





Photo credit:

The halo of galaxy Messier 87. ESO.

Galaxies have a trait that is envied by foodies everywhere: They can gobble up other stars, matter and galaxies without increasing their waistline. Any swallowed stars just merge with the galaxy. However, astronomers have spotted one nearby giant galaxy that doesn't seem to have this constant size. It is continuing to expand as it gorges itself on galactic matter.