What are the different types of starbursts, and what causes them?

Starbursts are intense periods of star formation within galaxies, resulting in a higher-than-average rate of stellar births. There are several types of starbursts, distinguished by their causes and characteristics:

1. Galactic starbursts:

Galactic starbursts are widespread and involve the rapid formation of stars across an entire galaxy. They are often triggered by gravitational interactions or mergers between galaxies, leading to increased gas density and subsequent star formation.

2. Nuclear starbursts:

Nuclear starbursts occur in the central regions of galaxies, particularly in active galactic nuclei. These intense star formation events may be fueled by the presence of a supermassive black hole, leading to the release of vast amounts of energy and triggering star formation.

3. Circumstellar starbursts:

Circumstellar starbursts are localized bursts of star formation surrounding individual massive stars. These events are often caused by stellar explosions, stellar winds, or interactions with cosmic dust and gas.

Causes of starbursts:

Starbursts are typically triggered by external forces such as galaxy interactions, gravitational perturbations, or gas accretion. The influx of gas and dust into star-forming regions can lead to the rapid creation of new stars and star clusters. Observations from telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope have provided valuable insights into the mechanisms driving these cosmic events.