galaxies merging

Galaxies merging occurs when two or more galaxies come close enough that their gravitational forces pull them together, eventually combining into a single, larger galaxy. This process can take hundreds of millions of years. During the merger, stars within the galaxies mostly avoid collision due to vast distances, but their collective gravity causes the structures to distort and sometimes trigger new star formation. The result is a more massive galaxy with a changed shape and structure. Merging is a natural part of galaxy evolution, shaping the universe's dynamic and ever-changing landscape.