The Starburst Galaxy is a type of galaxy characterized by an exceptionally high rate of star formation. These galaxies are often vibrant and energetic, with a burst of new stars being born at a pace much faster than in typical galaxies like our Milky Way. Starburst galaxies often have a blue or greenish hue due to the intense activity of young, hot stars that emit large amounts of ultraviolet light.
This extraordinary star formation is usually triggered by events like galaxy mergers or interactions with nearby galaxies, which can compress gas and dust, sparking a dramatic increase in star production. The intense radiation from these newly formed stars can also lead to the creation of powerful stellar winds, which affect the surrounding interstellar medium.
Famous examples of starburst galaxies include M82, located about 12 million light-years away, and the Antennae Galaxies. Despite their rapid star formation, starburst galaxies often have relatively short lifespans, as their gas supply gets depleted quickly. Once the starburst phase ends, these galaxies typically evolve into more quiescent systems. Studying starburst galaxies provides valuable insights into the lifecycle of galaxies and the processes that govern star formation.
