The team, led by Charlie Conroy, used a new computer simulation to model the evolution of galaxies. The simulation showed that galaxies can change shape as they grow and merge with other galaxies.
"We found that galaxies can start out as disks, but then they can become more elliptical as they grow and merge with other galaxies," said Conroy. "This is because the mergers can cause the galaxies to lose their angular momentum, which is what keeps them spinning and in a disk shape."
The new computer simulation is the most detailed and realistic model of galaxy evolution to date. It takes into account a variety of factors, including the effects of gas, stars, and dark matter.
"This simulation is a major breakthrough in our understanding of how galaxies evolve," said co-author Joel Primack. "It will help us to better understand the formation and evolution of the universe."
The research is published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
