Galaxy Formation and Characteristics
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Questions and Answers

What is a galaxy?

  • An isolated planet with its own orbit
  • A single massive star in the universe
  • A collection of stars, planets, nebulae, gases, dust, and other cosmic matter bound together by gravity (correct)
  • A group of comets and asteroids in space
  • How do galaxies form according to the most widely accepted model?

  • From clouds of dust and cosmic matter coming together and rotating around a central axis (correct)
  • By fusing multiple stars into one massive celestial body
  • Through the collision of comets and asteroids in space
  • From isolated planets that merge with each other
  • What is the approximate number of galaxies estimated to exist in the universe?

  • Exactly 100 billion galaxies
  • Over 200 billion galaxies (correct)
  • Less than 10 billion galaxies
  • Around 50 billion galaxies
  • What does gravity do in relation to galaxies?

    <p>Attracts matter towards the center of a mass or an object</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are light-years defined?

    <p>The distance traveled by light in one year</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes irregular galaxies from elliptical and spiral galaxies?

    <p>Lack of a distinct shape</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do elliptical galaxies differ from spiral galaxies in terms of star composition?

    <p>Predominantly composed of older, dimmer stars</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature distinguishes spiral galaxies from elliptical and irregular galaxies?

    <p>Central disk surrounded by spiral arms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common characteristic between elliptical and irregular galaxies?

    <p>Older, dimmer stars</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do irregular galaxies differ from elliptical galaxies in terms of dust content?

    <p>Characterized by significant amounts of interstellar gases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between elliptical and spiral galaxies?

    <p>Elliptical galaxies are older and have stars rotating in random orbits, while spiral galaxies are younger and have stars forming actively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process causes the birth of a star in the solar nebular theory?

    <p>Gravitational forces compacting matter at the center</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do elliptical galaxies sometimes appear dim compared to other galaxy types?

    <p>They have very little dust and gas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What causes some elliptical galaxies to look like one giant star?

    <p>Optical illusion from uniform light emission</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do barred spiral galaxies differ from normal spiral galaxies?

    <p>Barred spiral galaxies have a large bar of stars running through the center.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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