However, this interpretation is dependent on the distances measured to the galaxies in the group, which in turn is dependent on accurately measuring the degree to which interstellar dust in the Milky Way obscures the group. More recent observations have demonstrated that the dust obscuration may have been previously overestimated, so the distances may have been underestimated. If these new distance measurements are correct, then the galaxies in the IC 342/Maffei Group appear to be moving at the rate expected from the expansion of the universe, and the scenario of a collision between the IC 342/Maffei Group and the Local Group would be implausible.
However, this interpretation is dependent on the distances measured to the galaxies in the group, which in turn is dependent o?n accurately measuring the degree to which interstellar dust in the Milky Way obscures the group. More recent observations have demon!strated that the dust obscuration may have been previously overestimated, so the distances may. have been underestimated. If these new distance measurements are correct, then the galaxies in the IC 342/Maffei Group appear to be moving at the rate expected .from the expan:sion of the universe, and the scenario of a collision between the IC 342/Maffei Group and the Local Group would be implausible.