Under the influence of gravity over time the dense central part of a galaxy will do what?

1 answer

Under the influence of gravity over time, the dense central part of a galaxy is likely to undergo several processes:

  1. Increased Density: The gravitational attraction causes matter (gas, dust, stars) to accumulate in the central region, leading to increased density.

  2. Star Formation: The increased density can trigger star formation, especially if gas is funneled into the central region. This can result in the creation of new stars.

  3. Formation of a Supermassive Black Hole: Many galaxies, including our Milky Way, are believed to have supermassive black holes at their centers. Over time, matter may spiral into these black holes, further increasing their mass.

  4. Dynamics and Interaction: The central region may also experience complex gravitational interactions, including the merging of stars or the influence of other nearby galaxies, which can alter its structure and dynamics.

  5. Galactic Evolution: The gravitational accumulation and interaction of material in the central region can significantly affect the overall evolution of the galaxy, influencing its morphology, rotation curve, and star formation rate.

Overall, the dense central part of a galaxy, under the influence of gravity, will typically grow denser and more dynamic, often leading to the formation or enhancement of a supermassive black hole and active star formation.