Galaxy formation

Galaxy formation is the process by which vast collections of stars, gas, and dark matter come together to create the enormous structures we see scattered throughout the universe. Starting from tiny density variations in the early universe just after the Big Bang, gravity gradually pulled matter together over billions of years, forming the spiral, elliptical, and irregular galaxies we observe today. Understanding how galaxies form helps scientists piece together the history of the universe and explains how our own Milky Way came to exist.