What different shapes can galaxies have?

Question

Luke Allen · Accepted Answer

There are mainly four types...

SPIRAL galaxies consist of a rotating disk with arms. Its center is plenty of old stars. This shape is considered the most common shape in the universe. #-># (Barred spiral galaxies)
- ELLIPTICAL galaxies have no dust lane and have fewer stellar material, more open clusters. The star formation rate is relatively
  low. More random orbits.
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  - LENTICULAR galaxies often have a central bulge surrounded by a disk-like structure with dust lanes. Star-forming regions are not present. They are sometimes referred as transition states between elliptical and spiral galaxies.
    - IRREGULAR galaxies relate to their indeterminate shape. Their inability to assume a regular form is due to their scarce gravitational force, meaning that they cannot get bigger.

Hazel Asher · Answer

undefined Galaxies can have various shapes, including spiral, elliptical, and irregular. Spiral galaxies have a central bulge surrounded by spiral arms, which contain younger stars, gas, and dust. Elliptical galaxies are generally ellipsoidal or spherical in shape, with smooth and featureless appearances, consisting mostly of older stars. Irregular galaxies lack a distinct shape and can vary in appearance, often characterized by chaotic or asymmetric structures. Additionally, there are intermediate types such as lenticular galaxies, which have features of both spiral and elliptical galaxies.