Galaxy Types Quiz

Which of the following galaxy types is characterized by a central bulge and flattened, rotating arms extending outward?

• Irregular

• Elliptical

• Spiral

• Lenticular

Earth's solar system is located in which of the following galaxies?

• Andromeda

• Triangulum

• Large Magellanic Cloud

• Milky Way

A galaxy that is typically smooth, featureless, and ranges in shape from nearly spherical to highly elongated is classified as what type?

• Barred Spiral

• Irregular

• Elliptical

• Normal Spiral

Which statement correctly identifies the location of Earth's solar system within the Milky Way galaxy?

• In the central bulge

• In the halo, far above the main disk

• In one of the spiral arms, about two-thirds of the way out from the center

• At the very edge of the galaxy, in the farthest reaches of the disk

A small, chaotic-looking galaxy with no recognizable shape and usually containing a mix of young and old stars would most likely be categorized as:

• Spiral

• Elliptical

• Irregular

• Barred Spiral

If a scientist observes a galaxy with a significant population of hot, blue, young stars actively forming in dust lanes, which galaxy type is it most likely to be?

• Elliptical

• Irregular or Spiral

• Dwarf Spheroidal

• Globular Cluster

Which of the following characteristics is unique to the Spiral galaxy classification compared to Elliptical and Irregular?

• Contains billions of stars

• Possesses an elongated or flattened shape

• Exhibits distinct rotating arms of stars, gas, and dust

• Is found in clusters and groups

Imagine you are viewing the Milky Way from a position far above its disc. Which shape would you see?

• A smooth, elongated oval with no distinct features

• A chaotic cloud of stars with no defined structure

• A flat disc with spiral arms winding out from a central bulge

• A perfect sphere of densely packed stars

The vast majority of the oldest stars in a galaxy are typically found in the spherical halo and central bulge. This feature is characteristic of which galaxy type?

• Irregular

• Elliptical

• All major galaxy types (Spiral, Elliptical, Irregular)

• Elliptical and Spiral galaxies

Which sequence correctly orders the three main galaxy types from the one most likely to have active star formation to the one least likely to have it?

• Irregular → Spiral → Elliptical

• Spiral → Irregular → Elliptical

• Elliptical → Spiral → Irregular

• Irregular → Elliptical → Spiral