Evolution of Massive Elliptical Galaxies (IMAGE) University of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute Caption This graphic shows the evolutionary sequence in the growth of massive elliptical galaxies over 13 billion years, as gleaned from space-based and ground-based telescopic observations. The growth of this class of galaxies is driven by rapid star formation in the so called SMG galaxies and mergers with other galaxies. Credit Graphic courtesy of NASA, European Space Agency, and S. Toft og A. Feild Usage Restrictions Credit NASA, European Space Agency, and S. Toft og A. Feild License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.