galactic shapes

Galaxies are classified by their shape. The four main classes are: 1 Spiral These galaxies resemble pinwheels, with spiral arms trailing out from a bright center. Our galaxy is a spiral galaxy at the center of which is a cluster of stars known as the Milky Way. 2 Barred spiral Here, the spiral arms trail from the ends of a central bar. 3 Elliptical These galaxies do not have spiral arms. About 60% of galaxies are elliptical, varying in shape from almost spherical (like a soccer ball) to very flattened (like a football). 4 Irregular About 10% of galaxies are irregular with no definite shape.

References in periodicals archive

The answers to these and other questions are now coming into focus as researchers capitalize on powerful new computer simulations to follow the motions of as many as 100 million "stellar particles" as gravity and other astrophysical forces sculpt them into familiar galactic shapes.

How spiral galaxies get their arms

The product is packaged with easy-to-use stencils in eight galactic shapes so that consumers can create temporary, washable tattoos.

Spring collections go natural

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