Tech: Our galaxy about to collide with space cloud

[dracodraconis]

Astronomers report that our galaxy is about to collide with a massive space cloud, likely to result in the rapid formation of many new stars. But don't hold your breath for the light show... the collision isn't expected for another 20 to 40 million years. The cloud is currently 8,000 light-years from our galaxy, close enough to practically be already in contact with it, and is 11,000 light years long and 2,500 light years wide but completely devoid of stars. The cloud can only be "seen" using a radio telescope.