Galaxies
A galaxy is a mixture of billions of stars, dust, and planets that are all joined together by a gravitational force. There are millions of galaxies throughout the universe and are grouped into three types: spiral, elliptical, and irregulars.
A spiral galaxy is the most common type of the galaxy
known in the universe. They are classified by their spiral
shape, as seen in the picture. Our very own galaxy, the
milky way is a spiral galaxy.
known in the universe. They are classified by their spiral
shape, as seen in the picture. Our very own galaxy, the
milky way is a spiral galaxy.
An elliptical galaxy is a long, oval shape galaxy that is
abundantly found in the universe. It is classified by
how stretched out it is. The biggest galaxy in the universe,
M87, is an elliptical galaxy.
abundantly found in the universe. It is classified by
how stretched out it is. The biggest galaxy in the universe,
M87, is an elliptical galaxy.
Only 3% of the universes galaxy's are irregular galaxies.
They are classified by their irregular shape, hence the
name irregular galaxy. They are usually the result of galaxy
collisions, and are usually found in groups or clumps, where
collisions are possible. The Large Magellanic Cloud is an example
of an irregular galaxy.
They are classified by their irregular shape, hence the
name irregular galaxy. They are usually the result of galaxy
collisions, and are usually found in groups or clumps, where
collisions are possible. The Large Magellanic Cloud is an example
of an irregular galaxy.
The Milky Way, a spiral galaxy, is our home galaxy. It is about
100,000 light years from one end to another. The sun is about
25,000 light years away from the center of the Milky Way.
100,000 light years from one end to another. The sun is about
25,000 light years away from the center of the Milky Way.