- #1
chris2112
- 20
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I ask because I think I see two nuclei, can galaxies develop two nuclei without merging?
Are these two galaxies merging?
- Thread starter chris2112
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- Galaxies
In summary, when two galaxies are merging, it means they are gravitationally interacting and will eventually form a larger, single galaxy. The time it takes for this process can vary greatly, but typically takes millions to billions of years. During a merger, the stars in each galaxy will be affected by strong gravitational forces and may collide or be thrown out of the galaxy. Mergers between galaxies are common in the universe, including our own Milky Way galaxy. While we can observe these mergers in real time through powerful telescopes, they can take place over millions of years and may not be easily noticeable in a human lifetime.
I ask because I think I see two nuclei, can galaxies develop two nuclei without merging?
- #2
zhermes
- 1,255
- 3
There are numerous galaxies in that image---which itself is very small. Can't tell.
- #3
jim mcnamara
Mentor
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- 3,814
Mergers are the way in which galaxies grow in size.
This website (part of a university class) asserts that the only way to get multiple galactic nuclei is from a merger. I assume the text for class also makes this statement.
http://ircamera.as.arizona.edu/NatSci102/NatSci102/lectures/starbursts.htm
This website (part of a university class) asserts that the only way to get multiple galactic nuclei is from a merger. I assume the text for class also makes this statement.
http://ircamera.as.arizona.edu/NatSci102/NatSci102/lectures/starbursts.htm
1. What does it mean when two galaxies are merging?
When two galaxies are merging, it means that they are gravitationally interacting with each other and will eventually combine to form a larger, single galaxy.
2. How long does it take for two galaxies to merge?
The time it takes for two galaxies to merge can vary greatly, but on average it can take anywhere from hundreds of millions to billions of years.
3. What happens to the stars in each galaxy during a merger?
During a merger, the stars in each galaxy will be affected by the strong gravitational forces. Some stars may be thrown out of the galaxy, while others may collide and form new stars.
4. Are mergers common in the universe?
Yes, mergers between galaxies are quite common in the universe. In fact, it is estimated that our own Milky Way galaxy has undergone multiple mergers in its history.
5. Can we observe galaxies merging in real time?
Yes, we can observe galaxies merging in real time through powerful telescopes and other instruments. However, due to the vast distances between galaxies, these mergers can take place over millions of years and may not be easily noticeable in a human lifetime.
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