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Astronomy

The Role of Galactic Feedback in Regulating Star Formation

Quick fact

Typical galaxies convert only 1–10% of their available gas into stars over a Hubble time, despite having gas that should collapse quickly. Feedback from supernovae and black holes is what keeps star formation rates low and prevents a 'starburst' catastrophe.

Why this is interesting

We live in a galaxy that has been forming stars for over 13 billion years, and yet it still has plenty of gas left. If star formation were as efficient as gravity alone suggests, the Milky Way's star-forming days would have ended long ago—so what's slamming the brakes?