Galaxies

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What is a galaxy?

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A galaxy is a massive system that consists of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter, bound together by gravity.

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What are the three main types of galaxies?

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The three main types of galaxies are spiral, elliptical, and irregular.

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What type of galaxy is the Milky Way?

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The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy.

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What is a light year?

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A light year is the distance that light travels in one year, approximately 5.88 trillion miles (9.46 trillion kilometers).

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What characterizes a spiral galaxy?

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A spiral galaxy is characterized by its flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, and a central concentration of stars known as the bulge.

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What is an elliptical galaxy?

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An elliptical galaxy is a type of galaxy that has an ellipsoidal shape and lacks the distinct features of spiral galaxies, often containing older stars.

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What is an irregular galaxy?

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An irregular galaxy is a galaxy that does not have a distinct regular shape, often resulting from gravitational interactions with other galaxies.

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How do galaxies form?

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Galaxies form from the gravitational collapse of gas and dark matter in the early universe, leading to the creation of stars and other structures.

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What is dark matter?

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Dark matter is a form of matter that does not emit light or energy, making it invisible and detectable only through its gravitational effects.

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What is the significance of the Hubble Space Telescope in studying galaxies?

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The Hubble Space Telescope has provided detailed images and data about galaxies, helping astronomers understand their formation, evolution, and the universe's structure.