In a Galaxy Far, Far Away
The Milky Way Galaxy is not Alone
By Definition
A galaxy is a huge collection of stars, gases, and dust out in space held together by gravitional attraction.
Image taken by the Hubble telescope.
What do You Mean We Aren't the Only Galaxy?
Check out the history behind when and how other galaxies were discovered as well as the scientist behind the discoveries. Please, also Don't forget to take notes on your infographic!
You may also check out the side links while in this webpage.
Let's Take a Look at All These Galaxies
Galaxies, part 1: Crash Course Astronomy #38
Spiral Galaxies
- Spiral galaxies that are spiral in shape, like a pin-wheel.
- Earth and our solar system is in the Milky Way which is a spiral galaxy.
- Stars and dust are organized into "arms" that radiate out from a central disk.
- These galaxies have lots of extra dust and gas and are good places to watch for new stars to form
M51
— a spiral galaxy, about 30 million light years away, that is in the process of merging with a smaller galaxy seen to its upper left.
NGC 5793
— a spiral galaxy over 150 million light-years away
NGC 986
— a barred spiral galaxy
Elliptical Galaxies
- Elliptical galaxies are typically shaped like basketballs or footballs
- They tend to be "clean" galaxies with very little gas and dust
- These galaxies have a high percentage of old and dying stars so they are good places to watch for supernovas.
NGC 3921
— found in the constellation of Ursa Major (The Great Bear) — is an interacting pair of disk galaxies in the late stages of its merger.
NGC 1399 & NGC 4472 & NGC 4636 & NGC 5044
4 different elliptical galaxies in comparison
IC 335 in front of a backdrop of distant galaxies.
IC 335 is part of a galaxy group containing three other galaxies. Scientists are not 100% sure this is elliptical because of the angle, but the lack of visible dust and gasses lends itself to the elliptical category.
Irregular Galaxies
- Irregular galaxies are oddly shaped with no patterns or set shapes. Many are named "Cloud"
- Often are the result of gravity from other galaxies close by
- These galaxies contain many young stars and are a great place to watch for star formations
UGC 8201
a dwarf irregular galaxy, so called because of its small size and chaotic structure.
NGC 1140
— a small galaxy that orbits the Milky Way.
Large Magellanic Cloud,
— the closest galaxy to our own Milky Way galaxy
More Interesting Facts about Galaxies!
Galaxies, part 2: Crash Course Astronomy #39