What is the evidence that galaxies can merge?
A) Galaxies at higher redshifts are smaller and more irregularly shaped.
B) Hubble Space Telescope has observations of merging galaxies.
C) Simulations show that mergers produce observed galaxy shapes.
D) All of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the given options provide evidence for galaxy mergers. Option A suggests that galaxies at higher redshifts tend to be smaller and more irregularly shaped, which can be a result of multiple mergers throughout their history. Option B indicates that the Hubble Space Telescope has captured images of galaxies in the process of merging with each other. Option C suggests that computer simulations of galaxy mergers produce shapes and structures that match what is observed in real galaxies. Taken together, all of these pieces of evidence strongly suggest that galaxies can and do merge with each other.

What Is the Evidence That Galaxies Can Merge