Cosmic Recycling: The Birth of Galaxies

When galaxies interact the debris can coalesce to form new Tidal Dwarf Galaxies (TDGs for short). This may be an important mechanism for the formation of dwarf galaxies in the early universe. We have a Spitzer program to observe a sample of Tidal Dwarf Galaxies. For details of our research please read the following pages.

• The first system we looked at is NGC 5291 which is known for its tidal dwarf galaxy nursery.

  This is our Spitzer IRAC image. Copyright Sarah Higdon/NASA.
  

• Arp 105
  

  This is our Spitzer IRAC stellar image. Copyright Sarah Higdon/NASA.

• Stephan's Quintet

  This is our Spitzer IRAC PAH/dust image. Copyright Sarah Higdon/NASA.