What are the leading theories behind the formation of dwarf galaxies?

[vincentm]

How do these come about, also what are the leading theories behind the formation of these objects?

 

[hellfire]

I am not sure about this, but I think that dwarf galaxies are considered to be the origin or the seeds of bigger ones like the Milky Way. Currently existing dwarf galaxies are the ones that have not underwent enough collisions with others and have not accreted to form bigger galaxies. The current model of structure formation assumes a very violent history of mergers of structures that were accreting hierarchically. This process starts after recombination (the formation of the cosmic radiation background) at ~ 400,000 years after the big-bang. If I am right then you question is about the origin of galaxies at all.

 

[sir-pinski]

Dwarf galaxies are small, dim galaxies that are much smaller and less luminous than their larger counterparts, such as the Milky Way. They are typically composed of hundreds of millions to a few billion stars, compared to the hundreds of billions of stars in larger galaxies. These objects have been a topic of interest for astronomers for many years, and there are several theories about how they form.

One leading theory is that dwarf galaxies form when small gas clouds collapse under their own gravity. As the gas clouds collapse, they form stars, which eventually coalesce into a galaxy. This process is known as hierarchical merging, and it is thought to be responsible for the formation of the majority of dwarf galaxies.

Another theory suggests that dwarf galaxies form from the accretion of smaller galaxies onto larger ones. This process is known as galactic cannibalism, and it occurs when a larger galaxy pulls in and absorbs smaller galaxies, including dwarf galaxies. This theory is supported by observations of dwarf galaxies in the vicinity of larger galaxies, which show signs of being stripped of their stars and gas by the gravitational pull of the larger galaxy.

In addition to these theories, some scientists believe that dwarf galaxies may also form from the remnants of larger galaxies that have been disrupted by interactions with other galaxies. This process, known as tidal stripping, can result in the formation of small, compact dwarf galaxies.

Overall, the formation of dwarf galaxies is still not fully understood, and it is likely that a combination of these theories plays a role in their creation. Further research and observations are needed to better understand the processes involved in the formation of these objects.