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Tidal triggering of starbursts and nuclear activity in galaxies

Nature volume 340, pages 687–691 (1989)Cite this article

Abstract

Gas distributed throughout a galaxy responds strongly to the tidal field of a companion during a merger. In some cases dynamical instability will drive a large fraction of the gas into the inner regions of the galaxy. A strong burst of star formation will follow and subsequent evolution may lead to the formation of a black hole. Continued accretion of gas by the black hole may provide sufficient power to explain quasars and nuclear activity in otherwise normal galaxies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, USA

    Lars Hernquist

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  1. Lars Hernquist
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Hernquist, L. Tidal triggering of starbursts and nuclear activity in galaxies. Nature 340, 687–691 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1038/340687a0

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