Lexicon Labs

  When Galaxies Collide: A Cosmic Dance The universe is a dynamic and ever-changing place, and perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring phenomena in the cosmos is the collision of galaxies. These cosmic collisions, often described as a "galactic dance," have a profound impact on the structure and evolution of the participating galaxies, as well as the formation of new stars and the behavior of supermassive black holes. The Process of Galaxy Collisions Galaxy collisions occur when two or more galaxies gravitationally interact, often over the course of billions of years. As the galaxies approach each other, their gravitational fields become increasingly entangled, leading to a complex series of events that can dramatically reshape the participating galaxies. Stages of a Galaxy Collision1. Initial Approach: The galaxies begin to gravitationally influence each other, leading to distortions in their shapes and structures.2. Merger: The galaxies collide, with their stars, gas, and du...