Tidal triggering of starbursts and nuclear activity in galaxies
Abstract
Gas distributed throughout a galaxy responds strongly to the tidal field of a companion during a merger. In some cases dynamical instability will drive a large fraction of the gas into the inner regions of the galaxy. A strong burst of star formation will follow and subsequent evolution may lead to the formation of a black hole. Continued accretion of gas by the black hole may provide sufficient power to explain quasars and nuclear activity in otherwise normal galaxies.
- Publication:
-
Nature
- Pub Date:
- August 1989
- DOI:
- 10.1038/340687a0
- Bibcode:
- 1989Natur.340..687H
- Keywords:
-
- Active Galactic Nuclei;
- Black Holes (Astronomy);
- Star Formation;
- Starburst Galaxies;
- Tides;
- Angular Momentum;
- Interstellar Gas;
- Quasars;
- Star Distribution;
- Astrophysics