NASA simulates galactic mergers over billions of years

NASA's new supercomputer simulation reveals the complex, multi-billion-year process of galactic mergers, offering a visual representation of these cosmic events. The simulation, developed at the Ames Research Center, depicts the swirling interaction of gases, dust, and rock over approximately 12.5 billion years, showing how galaxies grow and how gases change during collisions. Each frame represents 5 million years. Scientists are studying how cooler gases warm during these interactions. The simulation series aims to improve understanding of galaxy growth, though it remains unknown if these mergers cause astronomical tornadoes.