Galactic process
Galaxy Merger
The collision and coalescence of two galaxies. Mergers trigger bursts of star formation, funnel gas to the central black hole, and can turn two spirals into a single elliptical — a driving force of galaxy evolution.
Highlights
- ›Two spirals can merge into one elliptical
Examples & connections
Knowledge connections
- Associated withAntennae Galaxies
- Associated withElliptical Galaxy
- Associated withPeculiar & Interacting Galaxy
- Associated withThe Milky Way–Andromeda Collision
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.