Monolithic or hierarchical star formation? A new statistical analysis

December 3, 2007 by Thomas | 1 comment

  • Statistical model to predict/fit the star formation history of the universe. Hierarchical formation through merging seems to be favoured but not enough to exclude the monolithic scenario. Outflow models and dust are critical.

    My impression is that the two priciple modes of galaxy formation seem to be subject to fashion among astronomers. While monolithic has been favoured in the early days of extragalacitc astronomy, the hierarchical formation was preferred until lately when it was realised that the former probably also plays a role.

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  1. Hasanuddin’s avatar

    Hasanuddin on February 27, 2008 at 5:49 pm

    Why couldn’t a combination of an initial monlithic phase followed by a period of fusing (heirarchical)? Such a comibination seems to favor how things are observed in other systems.

    I’m actually advancing a new model that suggests such a combination. Currently, it’s being hotly debated on my SciAm.com blog (search for Hasanuddin) once you arrive

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