MadSci Network: Astronomy |
Galactic formation in the present era seems to be entirely described in terms of galactic collisions and absorptions caused by gravitational interaction between already-extant galaxies--e.g., giant elliptical galaxies 'swallowing' smaller spirals---implying that, as with quasars, the creation of primary, first-generation galaxies no longer happens, being a feature of the earlier universe. Is this true? Or can completely new first-generation galaxies still form, perhaps from intergalactic material, *without* reference to collision and absorption? If so, what would a new galaxy look like? Also, if so, do astronomers know the rate of new-galaxy creation over, say, one million years? If primary-galaxy creation no longer happens, why not? Thank you for any attention you might give this query.
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