Chapter 14: Problem 10

What are starburst galaxies? How can they be produced by collisions between galaxies?

Short Answer

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Answer: A starburst galaxy is a type of galaxy that exhibits an exceptionally high rate of star formation compared to other galaxies. It can be produced by collisions between galaxies when their mutual gravitational force causes gas and dust clouds to compress and collapse under their own gravity, leading to accelerated star formation. This process results in a starburst galaxy with bright, luminous regions and dense star clusters. The collision can eventually lead to the merging of the two galaxies, forming a larger galaxy with different structure and characteristics.

Step by step solution

Definition of Starburst Galaxy

A starburst galaxy is a type of galaxy that exhibits an exceptionally high rate of star formation compared to the average rate for other galaxies. These galaxies are often characterized by bright, luminous regions, dense star clusters, and interstellar gas and dust, which provide the necessary ingredients for the formation of new stars.

Formation of Starburst Galaxies

The formation of starburst galaxies can be attributed to various factors, including interactions between galaxies and internal processes within a galaxy. The latter can trigger a sudden increase in star formation due to the compression of gas and dust clouds and the subsequent gravitational collapse. In this exercise, we will focus on the role of galactic collisions in producing starburst galaxies.

Role of Galactic Collisions in Producing Starburst Galaxies

When two galaxies come close to each other and interact, their mutual gravitational force can strongly affect their gas and dust clouds. This interaction can lead to large-scale disturbances in the galaxies, causing gas and dust clouds to compress and eventually collapse under their own gravity. As a result, new stars are formed at an accelerated rate, giving rise to a starburst galaxy.

Consequences of Galactic Collisions

As a consequence of the collision between galaxies, several outcomes can be observed. First, the increased star formation depletes the available gas and dust in the galaxy, which can eventually lead to the cessation of star formation. Secondly, the newly formed stars can heat the surrounding gas, which may get expelled from the galaxy due to the resulting pressure. This process can also contribute to the termination of star formation. Finally, the two colliding galaxies may merge to form a single, larger galaxy, often with a different structure and characteristics compared to the original galaxies.

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What are starburst galaxies? How can they be produced by collisions between galaxies?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Definition of Starburst Galaxy

Formation of Starburst Galaxies

Role of Galactic Collisions in Producing Starburst Galaxies

Consequences of Galactic Collisions

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