Simulation of Whirlpool Galaxy and its Companion

Mariwan A. Rasheed

College of Science, University of Sulaimani

In the present work the Whirlpool galaxy and its companion are simulated using Intergalactic
Gravitational Motion Simulator IGMS code. N-body method is depended in simulating 480 particles.
From the simulation, it was found that the spiral shape and the arm of the whirlpool galaxy were constructed
by interaction with its companion. In addition, the interaction caused the tidal bridge between the two
galaxies and distorted the shape of the whirlpool galaxy to a perfect spiral galaxy. It was also found that the
two galaxies started the interaction in the nearer position for hundreds million years and after that the two
galaxies separate from each other.The results indicated that the simulation image matches with that observed
by telescopes.

Keywords: simulation in astronomy, simulation of Whirlpool galaxy, whirlpool galaxy.

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