Starburst Galaxies

Definition

Starburst galaxies are a type of galaxy characterized by an extremely high rate of star formation, producing new stars at a much faster pace than normal galaxies. This intense burst of star-forming activity is typically triggered by events such as galaxy collisions or mergers, as well as the inflow of large amounts of gas and dust into the galaxy's central regions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Starburst galaxies are often found in the early universe, when galaxy interactions and mergers were more common, and they can provide insights into the formation and evolution of galaxies.
2. The star formation rate in a starburst galaxy can be hundreds or even thousands of times higher than that of the Milky Way, with the majority of the new stars forming in dense molecular clouds.
3. The intense star formation in starburst galaxies can be fueled by the inflow of gas and dust, either from the intergalactic medium or through the merger of two gas-rich galaxies.
4. Starburst galaxies are often associated with the presence of supernova remnants, which can drive powerful galactic winds that expel gas and dust from the galaxy, regulating its growth and evolution.
5. The high infrared luminosity of starburst galaxies is a key observational signature, as the dust in these galaxies absorbs the intense ultraviolet radiation from the newly formed stars and re-emits it at longer wavelengths.

Review Questions

• Describe the key features that define a starburst galaxy and how they differ from normal galaxies.
  • Starburst galaxies are characterized by an extremely high rate of star formation, producing new stars at a much faster pace than normal galaxies. This intense burst of star-forming activity is typically triggered by events such as galaxy collisions or mergers, as well as the inflow of large amounts of gas and dust into the galaxy's central regions. As a result, starburst galaxies often have higher infrared luminosity, as the dust in these galaxies absorbs the intense ultraviolet radiation from the newly formed stars and re-emits it at longer wavelengths. Additionally, the intense star formation can drive powerful galactic winds that expel gas and dust from the galaxy, regulating its growth and evolution.
• Explain the role of galaxy mergers and interactions in the formation and evolution of starburst galaxies.
  • Galaxy mergers and interactions play a crucial role in the formation and evolution of starburst galaxies. These events can trigger the inflow of large amounts of gas and dust into the galaxy's central regions, providing the necessary fuel for the intense burst of star formation. The gravitational forces and shocks associated with these interactions can also compress the gas and dust, further enhancing the star-forming activity. Moreover, the merger of two gas-rich galaxies can lead to the creation of a starburst galaxy, as the combined gas and dust reserves fuel the rapid production of new stars. This process is often observed in the early universe, when galaxy interactions and mergers were more common, and it can provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of galaxies.
• Analyze the significance of starburst galaxies in the context of understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies in the universe.
  • Starburst galaxies are of great importance in the study of galaxy formation and evolution, as they can provide valuable insights into these processes. The high rate of star formation observed in starburst galaxies is often associated with events such as galaxy collisions and mergers, which were more common in the early universe. By studying the properties and characteristics of starburst galaxies, astronomers can gain a better understanding of how the interactions and mergers of galaxies can trigger intense bursts of star formation, and how this process shapes the evolution of galaxies over cosmic time. Additionally, the powerful galactic winds driven by the intense star formation in starburst galaxies can regulate the growth and evolution of these systems, offering clues about the feedback mechanisms that influence the overall development of galaxies in the universe.

Related terms

Galaxy Merger: The collision and combination of two or more galaxies, which can lead to increased star formation and the creation of a starburst galaxy.

Galactic Winds: Powerful outflows of gas and dust driven by the intense star formation activity in starburst galaxies, which can expel material from the galaxy and regulate its growth.

Infrared Luminosity: The high infrared radiation emitted by starburst galaxies, which is a result of the dust in the galaxy absorbing the intense ultraviolet light from the newly formed stars and re-emitting it at longer wavelengths.