The Conversation
International · 4 hrs ago
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Astrophysicists use ‘space archaeology’ to trace the history of a spiral galaxy
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Astrophysicists have used chemical analysis to reconstruct the formation history of spiral galaxy NGC 1365, tracing how it accumulated mass through mergers with smaller galaxies over billions of years.
Astrophysicists use ‘space archaeology’ to trace the history of a spiral galaxy
This artist's impression shows the spiral galaxy NGC 1365 colliding and merging with a smaller galaxy. Melissa Weiss/CfA
Billions of years ago, a young spiral galaxy began to grow in a crowded part of the universe. It pulled in gas and small companion galaxies, slowly building up the bright central region and sweeping spiral arms we see today.
In a new study published in March 2026, my colleagues and I used this galaxy’s chemical fingerprints to reconstruct its life story in detail.
Astronomer
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