Galaxy Formation
Galaxy formation is the process by which vast collections of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter come together to form galaxies. It began shortly after the Big Bang, as tiny fluctuations in density caused areas of matter to coalesce due to gravity. Over billions of years, these clumps grew larger, merging with others and forming stars and star clusters. Some of these stars grouped together into spiral or elliptical shapes, becoming the galaxies we observe today. This ongoing process is influenced by the distribution of dark matter, which makes up most of the universe's mass and helps shape the structure of galaxies.
Additional Insights
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Galaxy formation begins with tiny fluctuations in the early universe, shortly after the Big Bang. Gravity pulls together gas and dust, creating clumps called proto-galaxies. As these clumps merge and grow, they form larger galaxies. Over billions of years, interactions between galaxies, including collisions and mergers, shape their structure and star formation. The process involves dark matter, an invisible substance that helps bind galaxies together. Eventually, galaxies evolve into the diverse types we see today, such as spiral, elliptical, and irregular galaxies, each with unique characteristics and histories shaped by their environment and interactions.