Michael,

The study of galaxy formation is an interesting field. I hope that your work yields great results.
I KnoWell that currently Science has come to the BLeaf that we live in a Big Bang Universe,
but I have stumbled into a mindset that strongly suggests that we live in a Steady State System.

In no way am I attacking the observations that show the three degree background radiation,
nor the acceleration of the expansion of the Universe, nor the halo effects of dark matter.
However; I am suggesting that there maybe another way to interpret the observations.

In a nutshell, beyond the realm of the WMAP, there is pure chaos, and inside the realm of the atom, there is pure control.
What is observed as the Big Bang is the exchange of chaos and control.
The basic process is that outer space is collapsing, and inner space is expanding.

As chaos exchanges place with control, there is a precipitation of chaos, this is being observed as dark matter.
As control exchanges place with chaos, there is an evaporation of control, this is being observed as dark energy.
The net result of chaos exchanging place with control is a friction that we currently see as the three degree kelvin background radiation.

"The emergence of the Universe is the precipitation of chaos through the evaporation of control." ~3K

I have refined this model space into an equation that I would love to have laser etched into a cube of glass.
The equation uses the energy of Einstein, the force of Newton, and the logic of Socrates to describe a moment of time as infinite.
Below is a link to the KnoWell equation.

http://www.lynchphoto.com/avignon

Below is a link to a 3D model of the KnoWell.

http://www.lynchphoto.com/elephant

I have reached out to many in the Scientific community, and only a hand full have responded.
In the below linked letter to Fay Dowker, I detail how to apply the KnoWell to modern cosmology.
http://www.lynchphoto.com/dowker

In the Dowker letter, I have a link to a graphic that shows the difference between Newtonian and KnoWellian model spaces.

http://www.lynchphoto.com/disney

As you move forward in your study of the formation of galaxies,
I hope you keep the KnoWell model space in mind.
Just maybe galaxies are not the result of some Big Bang,
but are the result of the condensation of a tremendous amount of chaos upon a humungous spec of control / black hole.

Best wishes,
Dave