Other
Scientific paper
Jan 1993
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1993sciam.268...72v&link_type=abstract
Scientific American (ISSN 0036-8733), vol. 268, no. 1, p. 72-78.
Other
2
Big Bang Cosmology, Galactic Evolution, Gravitational Collapse, Interstellar Gas, Milky Way Galaxy, Interstellar Chemistry, Star Clusters, Stellar Color, Stellar Luminosity
Scientific paper
The existing models for the formation of the Milky Way are examined in the light of recent observational data. Models of galaxy formation discussed include the Eggen-Lynden-Bell-Sandage model, the Toomre model, and the Searle-Zinn scenario. Attention is given to high-precision color-luminosity data that have become possible with the advent of charge-coupled devices and detailed studies of stellar abundances. Based on the rate of star formation in the disks of other spirals and on the assumption that the birth of stars will continue at its present speed, it is estimated that most of the existing gas in the Milky Way will be consumed in a few billion years. Once the gas has been depleted, no more stars will form, and the disks of the spirals will then fade. Eventually the galaxy will consist of nothing more than white dwarfs and black holes encapsulated by the hypothesized dark matter corona. Evidence for such an evolutionary scenario is mentioned.
Hesser James Edward
van den Bergh Sidney
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