A merger between two large galaxies of comparable size will most likely produce:
A)two small elliptical galaxies.
B)a large elliptical galaxy.
C)a small elliptical galaxy and a small spiral galaxy.
D)a large spiral galaxy.
E)a small elliptical galaxy and a large spiral galaxy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When two galaxies of comparable size merge, they often create a large elliptical galaxy. This is because the gas and dust in the merging galaxies collide and star formation is triggered, causing a burst of new star formation. This increases the mass and brightness of the central bulge of the new galaxy, giving it an elliptical shape. Meanwhile, the spiral arms of the original galaxies are disrupted and dispersed, making it difficult for a new spiral structure to form. When two large galaxies of comparable size merge, the result is usually a large elliptical galaxy. This is because the merger process causes gas and dust to be stripped away from the galaxies, inhibiting the formation of new stars and leading to an aging population of stars dominated by red giants. This is characteristic of elliptical galaxies. The other choices are less likely because they require a specific combination of size and type of the merging galaxies.

A Merger Between Two Large Galaxies of Comparable Size Will