According to astronomers, the Magellanic Clouds, which are among the closest to the Milky Way, have not only Major and Minor parts, but also another galactic element. In addition, the latest study revealed that about six billion years ago, this brightest galaxy may have been completely swallowed up by the Large Cloud.
A group of specialists decided to test this hypothesis because after several years of studying the Magellanic clouds, it turned out that most of the stars are moving clockwise around the center of the galaxy, while a smaller part is moving in the opposite direction at the same time. Previously, it was believed that these stars belonged to the Small Formation, however, upon detailed consideration of the issue, a guess appeared that these stars entered the galaxy after it absorbed another.
In order to confirm their case, studies were carried out based on computer simulations of the collision and absorption of galaxies. In addition, experts noted that this hypothesis is a logical explanation of why in the galaxy itself there are only ancient or young stars, but there are no middle-aged celestial bodies there. Thus, it can be assumed that the Magellanic Clouds existed for a long time, but the collision and subsequent absorption of another galaxy took place relatively recently.
