Have you ever wondered how elliptical galaxies form? According to a new study, they might be born in pairs! Scientists have explored the MOND (Modified Newtonian Dynamics) theory and found that initially disk-shaped galaxies merge over time, becoming elliptical. This process perfectly mimics what we observe in the universe. Additionally, the simulated galaxies follow the same laws as real galaxies, such as the fundamental plane and Kormendy relation. In short, MOND could be the key to understanding galaxy evolution!
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The MOND (Modified Newtonian Dynamics) theory is an alternative to dark matter to explain the motion of galaxies. In this study, scientists simulated the formation of early-type galaxies (ETGs) from primordial gas clouds. The initial galaxies, called 'relics', have short star formation timescales and show a downsizing effect, consistent with observations. When these galaxies merge, they become elliptical and follow the same observed relations, such as the (Vrot/VΟ)-ellipticity relation. Additionally, the isophotal shapes and rotational parameter (Ξ»R) of the simulated galaxies match those of real galaxies. This suggests that MOND could be a valid physical framework for the rapid formation and morphological evolution of ETGs.
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