Galactic Collisions

Did you know that stars rarely collide during galaxy mergers due to the vast distances between them, or that tidal forces during these events can create stunning features like tidal tails?

The book begins by establishing a foundational understanding of galaxy structure, dark matter halos, and gravitational dynamics. It then progresses into an examination of the physics underlying galaxy mergers, classifying different collision types and their unique characteristics. Observational data from telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope is combined with advanced computer simulations to illustrate these complex processes.

The book concludes with a detailed look at the future collision between the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy, offering insights into the long-term consequences and its place in cosmic evolution.