Home > Astrophysics > Galaxy Composition

How were the Magellanic clouds formed?

Answer 1

They are remnants of previous galaxies.

Recent observations of the Small Magellanic Cloud suggest that it may have been once a single galaxy that broke apart into two remnants due to gravitational interactions with the LMC.

As part of a larger cloud of gas and dust, the Large Magellanic Cloud contains a highly active starbirth region known as the Tarantula Nebula. Its high rate of star formation may be caused by compression of interstellar gas and dust by the cloud's collision with the interstellar medium.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer 2

Leah Angelini

As satellite galaxies or dwarf irregular galaxies that were gravitationally captured by the Milky Way, the Magellanic Clouds are thought to have formed through interactions with the Milky Way galaxy through tidal forces, gas stripping, and gravitational interactions that resulted in their current structure and location in the sky.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.