Galactic Phase

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The Galactic Phase is a Period in The Great Story which represents the formation of stars and complex chemical elements.

1. 12 bya Protogalactic Clouds of hydrogen form; the Universe differentiates into vast clumps of gaseous matter.
2. 11 bya Galaxies emerge — producing the large-scale structures of the Universe.
3. 11 bya Gravity draws hydrogen into dense spheres of gas, sprinkled throughout each galaxy. At a threshold pressure, nuclear fusion begins: this is the birth of Stars. Let there be Light!
4. 11 bya to present Galaxies Interact: some collide and are engulfed; others pass through one another, usually with tremendous gravitational impact to both.
5. 10 bya to present Supernovas forge complex Chemical Elements (atoms heavier than helium; i.e., carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, calcium, iron, gold, etc.). These elements are born in the fiery bellies of stars at least 8 times more massive than our sun. The created elements enrich the galaxies when the stars explode as supernovas.
6. 5 bya A Shock wave from a nearby supernova or gravitational density wave energizes the enriched gas cloud that will become our swirling solar system.
7. 5 bya the Sun ignites.