Types of Galaxies

Front

What are the three main types of galaxies?

Back

Elliptical, Spiral, and Irregular.

Front

What is an elliptical galaxy?

Back

A type of galaxy characterized by an elongated shape and a smooth, featureless brightness profile.

Front

What is a spiral galaxy?

Back

A type of galaxy that has a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, along with a central concentration of stars known as the bulge.

Front

What is an irregular galaxy?

Back

A type of galaxy that does not have a distinct regular shape, often appearing chaotic and lacking a defined structure.

Front

What is the defining feature of a spiral galaxy?

Back

The presence of spiral arms that extend outward from the center.

Front

Can elliptical galaxies contain new stars?

Back

Elliptical galaxies typically contain older stars and have little to no new star formation.

Front

What is the significance of the Hubble classification scheme?

Back

It is a system used to categorize galaxies based on their appearance, including types such as elliptical, spiral, and irregular.

Front

What type of galaxy is the Milky Way?

Back

The Milky Way is classified as a barred spiral galaxy.

Front

What is the role of dark matter in galaxies?

Back

Dark matter is believed to make up a significant portion of the mass in galaxies, influencing their structure and dynamics.

Front

How do galaxies evolve over time?

Back

Galaxies can evolve through processes such as mergers, interactions, and star formation, leading to changes in their structure and type.