What process is the leading theory for the creation of the largest Elliptical Galaxies?
Answer
Major galaxy mergers
The smooth structure and lack of organized rotation characteristic of large elliptical galaxies strongly suggest a history of violent gravitational reorganization. The dominant model posits that these massive systems form through major galaxy mergers, specifically the collision of two spiral galaxies possessing comparable masses. This intense gravitational interaction violently disrupts the ordered disk structures of the progenitor systems, effectively scrambling the stellar orbits into a randomized, ellipsoidal configuration typical of ellipticals. Furthermore, this merger process efficiently triggers and then rapidly consumes or ejects the available gas supply, quenching further star formation.
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