The theory that states galaxies are in a persistent process of metamorphosis has long been debated. Since such changes do not happen overnight, the theory was nearly impossible to verify, until now.
Scientists classify galaxies into two categories, those that are shaped like a disc and rotate and those that are oval-shaped, very large and littered with millions of stars.
A team of scientists recently analyzed data of thousands of the many galaxies which are observable in the universe through our most advanced telescopes. The group of researchers found that galaxies are changing their entire structure throughout billions of years.
They have estimated that 83% of the number of stars that appeared after the Big Bang were once located in disc-like conglomerates, which eventually evolved to oval-shaped galaxies.
One proposed theory is that the stars that once were in a flat galaxy moved towards the center, resulting in a more spheroidal arrangement. By combining data collected by the Hubble and Herschel telescopes, the team of scientists have finally been able to measure the extent of this shape shifting process. They noted that after the formation of the stars, disc-shaped galaxies tend to suffer major restructuring and evolve into egg-shaped galaxies. By observing the scope of this transformation, scientists hope to shed some light about the processes our galaxy is currently going through.
One of the PhD students that participated in the research explained best why this study is of utmost importance to science, by stating the study concluded with exciting evidence in form of statistical data which shows that nearly all of the flat galaxies became elliptical as time went by. Experts consider this a huge step towards understanding how celestial bodies have evolved over a timespan of billions of years.
By utilizing some of the most advanced technology available today, scientists are slowly beginning to understand the processes our Universe endured. They hope that these advancements will hopefully bring some solid evidence that would support the Big Bang theory.
Photo credits: Wikipedia
