How are astronomers using the debris stream left by the Sgr Dwarf to refine the Solar System's formation timeline?

By precisely mapping the streams and their velocity vectors to retroactively calculate the exact geometry of the closest passages.

To move the understanding of cosmic origins from educated conjecture to a quantifiable science, current observational efforts focus on the remnants of the disruptive event. As the Sgr Dwarf is stretched and torn apart, it leaves behind distinct, traceable streams of stars and gas distributed around the Milky Way. Astronomers are employing instruments capable of measuring extremely precise stellar positions and motions to map these debris streams in detail. By analyzing the current velocity vectors and trajectories of these remnants, they can perform detailed kinematic calculations that accurately reconstruct the exact moment and geometric configuration of the closest gravitational pass that occurred billions of years ago.