TNRTB Archive – Retained for reference information
Researchers have learned more about the star-formation histories of different galaxy classes, and their work reveals the fine-tuning of the galaxy where Earth resides. Different types of galaxies exhibit different star-formation histories. Dwarf galaxies exhibit continuous star formation over their histories, as long as they don’t reside in a massive cluster or orbit a massive galaxy. In contrast, star formation in giant galaxies occurs rapidly very early but quickly dies off unless mergers with other galaxies occur. To form habitable planets, stars likely need to be in giant galaxies in order to have sufficient heavy elements. However, the galaxy mergers must occur frequently enough to sustain star formation without disrupting the spiral structure in the galaxy. The solar system resides in such a galaxy, with large spiral arms, ongoing star formation, and few enough mergers that the solar system is not disrupted. These characteristics match those predicted by RTB’s creation model, in which a supernatural Designer fashions a suitable universe, galaxy, sun, and planet where life flourishes.
C. P. Haines et al., “The Different Environmental Dependencies of Star Formation for Giant and Dwarf Galaxies,” Astrophysical Journal Letters 647 (2006): L21-L24.
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