Several definitions of the term starburst galaxy exist and there is no strict definition on which all astronomers agree. However, many generally agree that the definition must in some way be related to three factors there are :
(1) The rate at which the galaxy is currently converting gas into stars (the star-formation rate, or SFR)
(2) The available quantity of gas from which stars can be formed
(3) Comparison of the timescale of star formation with the age or rotation period of the galaxy.
A starburst galaxy is a galaxy in the process of an exceptionally high rate of star formation, compared to the usual star formation rate seen in most galaxies. Galaxies are often observed to have a burst of star formation after a collision or close encounter between two galaxies. The rate of star formation is so great for a galaxy undergoing a starburst that, if the rate was sustained, the gas reservoirs from which stars are formed would be used up on timescales much shorter than the age of the galaxy. For this reason, it is presumed that starbursts are temporary. Well-known starburst galaxies include M82, NGC 4038/NGC 4039 (the Antennae Galaxies), and IC 10.
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