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Fast Evolution of a Galaxy

Fast Evolution of a Galaxy
This graphic illustrates how a vibrant, star-forming galaxy quickly transforms into a sedate galaxy composed of old stars. The scenario begins when two galaxies merge (Panel 1), funneling a large amount of gas into the central region. The gas compresses, sparking a firestorm of star birth, which blows out most of the remaining star-forming gas (Panel 2). Devoid of its fuel, the galaxy settles into a quiet existence, composed of aging stars (Panel 3).

About the Data

  • Data Description
    Data DescriptionProposal: A description of the observations, their scientific justification, and the links to the data available in the science archive.
    Science Team: The astronomers who planned the observations and analyzed the data. "PI" refers to the Principal Investigator.
    Hubble data for this release were obtained from the following HST proposal 12019 (PI: C. Tremonti, University of Wisconsin, Madison). The science team includes: P. H. Sell (Texas Tech University, Lubbock), C. Tremonti (University of Wisconsin, Madison), R. C. Hickox (Dartmouth College), A. M. Diamond-Stanic (University of Wisconsin, Madison), J. Moustakas (Siena College, NY), A. Coil (University of California, San Diego), A. Williams (University of Wisconsin, Madison), G. Rudnick (University of Kansas), A. Robaina (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor), J. Geach (University of Hertfordshire), and S. Heinz and E. Wilcots (University of Wisconsin, Madison).
  • Release Date
    November 13, 2014
  • Science Release
    The Party’s Over for These Youthful Compact Galaxies
  • Credit
    Illustration: NASA, ESA, and A. Feild (STScI); Science: P. Sell (Texas Tech University)

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Details

Last Updated
Mar 28, 2025
Contact
Media

Claire Andreoli
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland
claire.andreoli@nasa.gov