Astronomers have long wondered why spiral galaxies like the Milky Way are so rare in our local galactic neighborhood. New research using supercomputer simulations of the evolution of our neighborhood over billions of years found evidence of a turbulent past that may explain this.
“This is an iconic moment,” ESA’s Director of Science, Carole Mundell stated. The simulations showed galaxies in dense clusters like ours experienced frequent collisions and mergers when galaxies formed.
Observations of our local universe also show many elliptical galaxies but few spirals. This suggests mergers of colliding galaxies transformed spirals into ellipticals over time, while the Milky Way somehow survived amidst this chaotic environment of “galactic bumper cars.”
The simulations have provided insight into how mergers change galaxy types through transformations such as two colliding spiral galaxies forming an elliptical galaxy. “Our simulation reveals the intimate details of the formation of galaxies such as the transformation of spirals into ellipticals through galaxy mergers,” co-author Carlos Frenk with the Institute for Computational Cosmology at Durham University said.
Solar System Location: Earth is located within the Milky Way Galaxy, approximately 27,000 light-years from its center in the Orion Arm. This proximity allows for detailed study of our galaxy’s structure and characteristics.
Diverse Stellar Population: The Milky Way is home to a diverse population of stars, ranging from massive, short-lived blue stars to smaller, longer-lived red stars. This stellar diversity contributes to the galaxy’s rich tapestry of celestial phenomena.
Barred Spiral Structure: The Milky Way is a barred spiral galaxy, with a central bar-shaped structure made up of stars, gas, and dust. This feature distinguishes it from other types of galaxies and contributes to its unique appearance.
Black Hole at the Center: The Milky Way is known to harbor a supermassive black hole, designated Sagittarius A*, at its center. This black hole is a unique and pivotal feature of our galaxy, exerting a profound influence on its dynamics and evolution.
Halo of Dark Matter: The Milky Way is enveloped in a halo of dark matter, an enigmatic and invisible substance that exerts gravitational influence throughout the galaxy. The presence of dark matter is a unique aspect that shapes the Milky Way’s structure and behavior.
Interstellar Environment: Our galaxy hosts a complex interstellar environment, characterized by vast clouds of gas and dust, nebulae, and regions of active star formation. This dynamic environment fosters the birth and evolution of stars and planetary systems.
Galactic Evolution: The Milky Way has undergone a complex evolutionary history, characterized by the merging of smaller galaxies and the continuous formation of new stars. Understanding the unique evolutionary path of our galaxy provides valuable insights into its current state and future trajectory.
