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Questions and Answers
How are spiral galaxies and elliptical galaxies different?
How are spiral galaxies and elliptical galaxies different?
They have arms where elliptical galaxies do not and they are not flattened into a disk shape.
What do the letters A, B, and C indicate in reference to spiral galaxies?
What do the letters A, B, and C indicate in reference to spiral galaxies?
What do the numbers represent in the classification of elliptical galaxies?
What do the numbers represent in the classification of elliptical galaxies?
0 is more rounded; the higher the number, the more stretched out or elongated the galaxy becomes.
What is the shape of a galaxy that has the classification S0?
What is the shape of a galaxy that has the classification S0?
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What are two classifications for spiral galaxies, and how do they differ?
What are two classifications for spiral galaxies, and how do they differ?
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How might the Milky Way galaxy be classified? Why is its classification uncertain?
How might the Milky Way galaxy be classified? Why is its classification uncertain?
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How are galaxies that are neither spiral nor elliptical classified? Give an example of this type of galaxy.
How are galaxies that are neither spiral nor elliptical classified? Give an example of this type of galaxy.
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Study Notes
Differences Between Spiral and Elliptical Galaxies
- Spiral galaxies feature arms that extend from a central disk, while elliptical galaxies do not have arms and are not flattened into a disk shape.
Classification of Spiral Galaxies
- Letters "a," "b," and "c" indicate the spacing of the arms in spiral galaxies:
- "A": Arms are closely packed together.
- "B": Arms are spaced at an average distance.
- "C": Arms are far apart from each other.
Classification of Elliptical Galaxies
- Numbers represent the shape of elliptical galaxies:
- "0" indicates a more rounded shape.
- Higher numbers signify increasing elongation and stretchiness of the galaxy.
Characteristics of S0 Galaxies
- Galaxies classified as S0 have a disk shape but lack spiral arms.
Types of Spiral Galaxies
- There are two classifications of spiral galaxies:
- Barred spirals have a central bar shape connecting the arms.
- Normal spirals do not feature this bar structure.
Classification of the Milky Way
- The Milky Way is classified as a spiral galaxy.
- Its classification remains uncertain because humans have never observed the galaxy from an external vantage point.
Irregular Galaxies
- Galaxies that do not fall into the spiral or elliptical categories are classified as irregular galaxies, denoted as "Irr."
- An example of irregular galaxies includes the Magellanic Clouds.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the differences between spiral and elliptical galaxies. This quiz covers their characteristics and classifications, including the meaning of letters and numbers in their classification systems.
