Photo: Massive Cloud to Strike Milky Way, Scientists Say

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A telescope image shows Smith's Cloud, a mass of hydrogen gas on course to collide with the Milky Way in about 40 million years (inset).

The impact will trigger a round of star formation and then a round of supernovae, setting off what will resemble a "celestial New Year's celebration," scientists say.

Images by Bill Saxton, NRAO/AUI/NSF

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