Concept information
Preferred term
galactic cannibalism
Definition(s)
- Galactic cannibalism is a common phenomenon that occurs in the universe, which refers to the process in which a large galaxy, through tidal gravitational interactions with a companion, merges with that companion; that results in a larger, often irregular galaxy. The most common result of the gravitational merger between two or more galaxies is an irregular galaxy, but elliptical galaxies may also result. It has been suggested that galactic cannibalism is currently occurring between the Milky Way and the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. Streams of gravitationally-attracted hydrogen arcing from these dwarf galaxies to the Milky Way is taken as evidence for the theory. (Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interacting_galaxy#Galactic_cannibalism)
Broader concept(s)
In other languages
-
French
URI
http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/MDL-J893SLZC-N
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