Astronomy current events question: Milky Way collision

Astronomy 210L, Fall Semester 2009
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Students are assigned to read online articles on current astronomy events, and take a short current events quiz during the first 10 minutes of lab. (This motivates students to show up promptly to lab, as the time cut-off for the quiz is strictly enforced!)

Astronomy.com editors, "Galactic bombardment unlikely to destroy Milky Way," September 1, 2009
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8595

According to computer simulations run by astronomers at Ohio State University, what would be the result of a satellite galaxy colliding with our Milky Way? Circle your answer below.
(A) The Milky Way would destabilize, splitting into many smaller galaxies.
(B) More dark matter would be produced, thus protecting the Milky Way.
(C) The satellite galaxy would steal stars and gas from the Milky Way.
(D) The satellite galaxy would fall into the Milky Way's central supermassive black hole.
(E) The outer edge of the Milky Way would flare outwards.

Correct answer: (E).

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 4 students
(B) : 7 students
(C) : 6 students
(D) : 8 students
(E) : 40 students