Evolution of Elliptical Galaxies and Mechanism of Formation of Spiral Galaxies

Abstract

A mechanism of formation of a spiral galaxy is proposed. The galaxy is considered to be a cluster consisting of stars and gaseous clouds. Initially, the galaxy has elliptical geometry and slow rotational motion around one axis. The gravitational interaction between the stars has been modelled. The cluster contracted and transformed its geometry. The geometry of the initial cluster changes due to the change of the rotational velocities of the stars in accordance with the Kepler's second law and change of the relative positions of the stars. The computer simulation reveals that a spiral shaped galaxy is a result of the transformation of a cluster of non-spherical symmetry. An example of the gravitational contraction of an elliptically-shaped galaxy is presented in this paper.