Globular clusters, these dense and ancient stellar conglomerates, are privileged witnesses to the early eras of galactic history. Found in the galactic halo of the Milky Way and other spiral galaxies, they comprise hundreds of thousands of ancient stars whose galactic dynamics and composition provide key insights into stellar formation and the evolution of galaxies. … Read more
Starburst galaxies are major players in the dynamic evolution of the universe. These galaxies, characterized by intense and rapid star formation activity, shed light on exceptional episodes of galactic life. The triggering of these bursts, often linked to gravitational interactions, radically transforms the stellar landscape and the composition of interstellar matter. Studying these phenomena through … Read more
Ultra-compact dwarf galaxies represent a fascinating and little-known aspect of contemporary astrophysics. These entities, often confused with globular clusters due to their similar appearance but significantly more massive, are living witnesses to the processes of galactic evolution at play since the dawn of the universe. Even today, their origin and nature raise complex questions at … Read more
The spectacular advances in the field of numerical simulations now allow for an in-depth exploration of the complexity of galaxies and their evolution within the universe. The computational models developed by international teams, utilizing cutting-edge supercomputers, offer a unique window into star formation, galactic dynamics, and the gravitational effects of dark matter. This computer modeling … Read more
Galactic hydrogen filaments represent one of the fundamental components of cosmic structure, drawing a complex network that shapes the visible universe. These gigantic chains of baryonic matter, primarily composed of neutral hydrogen clouds, play a crucial role in the intergalactic medium by orchestrating galaxy formation and the evolution of galaxy clusters. Thanks to recent advances … Read more
IN BRIEF Superclusters of galaxies: vast groupings of galaxies. Laniakea: a supercluster that extends over nearly 500 million light-years. More than 100,000 galaxies in our supercluster, identified through extensive studies. Superclusters are subdivided into groups of clusters known as galaxy clouds. Cosmic flows: movements of galaxies influenced by gravity. Hyperion: a supercluster of young galaxies, … Read more
IN BRIEF Origin of galaxies: results from small fluctuations in density in the primitive universe. Formation: process by merging dwarf galaxies and gravitational collapse. Types of galaxies: include spiral galaxies, with a disk of gas, dust, and stars. Evolution: linked to each galaxy’s ability to create stars. Environment: evolution depends on local physical and chemical … Read more