The Andromeda galaxy may be getting bullied by a smaller galactic neighbor, scientists find
Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have observed a significant decline in star formation within the Andromeda galaxy over the last 40 million years. Researchers suggest that the smaller neighboring galaxy M32 may be influencing this deceleration.
Why it matters
This discovery helps scientists better understand galactic evolution and the complex gravitational interactions between neighboring galaxies.
Galaxies The Andromeda galaxy may be getting bullied by a smaller galactic neighbor, scientists find News By Rahul Rao Published 10 August 2026 "We can't explicitly say that we are seeing a decrease in star formation because of M32. But it's right there, and it's definitely the most likely suspect."
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Click for next article An image from NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer, showing the ultraviolet side of the Andromeda galaxy. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Thanks to the Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers have shed light on a recent chapter in the history of our Milky Way's neighboring galaxy, Andromeda.
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