Unveiling Andromeda: Galactic Archaeology Reveals Its Dramatic History

Researchers have used galactic archaeology to uncover the dramatic history of the Andromeda galaxy, our nearest neighboring galaxy. By analyzing the chemical composition of stars, scientists have determined that Andromeda's formation was more intense and forceful than that of our Milky Way. The galaxy experienced an initial burst of star formation followed by a secondary layer of stars triggered by a "wet merger" between two gas-rich galaxies. The study also reveals two distinct eras of star formation in Andromeda and confirms theoretical models through spectroscopic observations.