Galaxies are dynamic entities, constantly evolving through processes like mergers, collisions, and interactions with neighboring galaxies. When galaxies merge, their stars, gas, and dust can undergo dramatic transformations, leading to the formation of new stars and restructuring of the galaxy's shape. These interactions can trigger intense bursts of star formation and feed supermassive black holes at the galaxies' centers, leading to the emission of powerful jets of radiation.
Furthermore, galaxies are not isolated entities but are interconnected within the vast cosmic web of the universe. They cluster together in groups and clusters, bound by their mutual gravitational attraction. These clusters can contain hundreds or even thousands of galaxies, each influencing the others' evolution through gravitational interactions and tidal forces.
The study of galaxies encompasses various fields of astrophysics, including observational astronomy, theoretical modeling, and simulations. Observational techniques, such as telescopes operating across different wavelengths of light and gravitational wave detectors, allow astronomers to peer into the depths of galaxies across cosmic time.
