Is there any star not belonging to any galaxy?

In summary, the conversation discusses the topic of stars in galaxies and their formation. It is mentioned that while the majority of stars are found within galaxies, some are not bound to any specific galaxy and may form on their own. Recommendations for basic textbooks on the universe are also discussed.
  • #1
wdlang
307
0
are all stars in some galaxy?

i now get interested in the universe

could anyone recommend some basic textbooks for me?

i have a doctor degree in theoretical physics.
 
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  • #2
when galaxies collide, parts of them get flung out into space in big long streams of gas, stars, etc.

basically the two galaxies get torn up and mixed together and the vast majority of the material that makes them up gets stuck into the new galaxy that forms. However parts of it are flung off into space to form, perhaps, dwarf galaxies, or just stars floatin' around in space by themselves.
 
  • #3
wdlang said:
are all stars in some galaxy?

No. Although stars are normally grouped into galaxies, some are not. This article says 10% of stars in Virgo cluster of galaxies are not bound to any galaxy: http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/1997/02/text/

The wondering stars are likely to be born inside a galaxy and then drifted away. Not all stars are single, many are gravitationally bound systems of two or more stars. And when one of the stars explode as supernova it may cause companion to become hyper-velocity star that can escape the galaxy.
 
  • #4
wdlang said:
could anyone recommend some basic textbooks for me?

While you wait to get references for textbooks, you can go through Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universe
 
  • #5
  • #6

1. How can a star not belong to any galaxy?

There are a few possible explanations for a star not belonging to any galaxy. One possibility is that it was ejected from its original galaxy due to interactions with other stars or black holes. Another possibility is that it formed in a region of space with low density of gas and dust, making it difficult for a galaxy to form around it.

2. Is there any evidence for stars not belonging to any galaxy?

Yes, there is evidence for stars not belonging to any galaxy. These stars are known as intergalactic stars and have been observed in the space between galaxies. They are typically older, low-mass stars and can give us insight into the formation and evolution of galaxies.

3. How do scientists detect stars not belonging to any galaxy?

Intergalactic stars are typically detected through their absorption of light from background galaxies. The light from these distant galaxies is distorted and dimmed as it passes through the space between galaxies, and scientists can use this distortion to identify the presence of intergalactic stars.

4. Are there any benefits to studying stars not belonging to any galaxy?

Studying intergalactic stars can provide valuable information about the evolution of galaxies and the distribution of dark matter. By studying the properties of these stars, scientists can also gain insight into the chemical composition and age of the early universe.

5. Could a star not belonging to any galaxy eventually form its own galaxy?

It is possible for a star not belonging to any galaxy to eventually form its own galaxy, but it is unlikely. The process of galaxy formation requires a large amount of gas and dust, which is typically found in the outskirts of existing galaxies. It is more likely for intergalactic stars to eventually be captured by a nearby galaxy than to form a new one on their own.

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