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Chapter 24: Problem 24

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

Short Answer

Expert verified
Starburst galaxies experience an extremely high level of star formation, often fueled by collisions between galaxies. In such collisions, their gravitational forces can significantly increase the density of gas and dust, setting off a burst of star formation.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Starburst Galaxies

Starburst galaxies are a type of galaxy that experiences an exceptionally high rate of star formation. In these galaxies, the star formation rate is so high that they will use up all their gas, which is the primary star-forging material, in just tens of millions of years. Compared to the lifespan of a galaxy, that is comically short, hence the 'burst' in the name.
02

Understanding Galaxy Collisions

When galaxies collide, it's not a crash in the typical sense. Rather, the two galaxies pass through one another. However, the gravitational forces at play during this interaction can distort the shapes of the galaxies involved, leading to them potentially merging into one, launching stars and gas into space, fuelling star formation.
03

Connecting Collisions to Starburst Galaxies

The increased density of gas and dust sparked by a collision between galaxies can stimulate a high rate of star formation. The gas and dust clouds coalesce under the increased gravity, creating fertile ground for stars to form. As a result, a starburst galaxy can arise.

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