Galaxies appear simpler than expected

• Published in: Nature Vol. 455; no. 7216; pp. 1082 - 1084
• Main Authors: Disney, M. J., Romano, J. D., Garcia–Appadoo, D. A., West, A. A., Dalcanton, J. J., Cortese, L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 23.10.2008; Nature Publishing; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: Acquisitions; Astronomy; Classification and classification systems; Cold dark matter; Complex systems; Dynamical systems; Earth, ocean, space; Enrichment; Exact sciences and technology; Explosions; Galaxies; Galaxy formation; Humanities and Social Sciences; letter; Mathematical models; multidisciplinary; Normal galaxies. Extragalactic objects and systems (by type); Science; Science (multidisciplinary); Star & galaxy formation; Stars & galaxies; Stellar systems. Galactic and extragalactic objects and systems. The universe; Variables; Supernovae explosion; Galaxies; Complex system; Baryons; Chemical enrichment; Neutral hydrogen; Radio emission; Correlation analysis; Feedback; Galaxy formation; Cold dark matter; Correlations; Angular momentum; Models; Observables; Age; Stellar dynamics

Galactic structure: a simple answer At first glance a galaxy looks pretty complicated: each contains billions of stars subject to many influences including gravity, rotation and radiation. The hierarchical theory of galaxy formation — currently fashionable — holds that they are assembled from smalle...