ELLIPTICAL GALAXY Meaning and
Definition
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An elliptical galaxy refers to a type of galaxy that exhibits a distinct oval or elliptical shape characterized by a lack of spiral arms. It is a spheroidal or ellipsoidal system, having a symmetric structure without any significant flat disk-like component. This type of galaxy is primarily composed of older stars, with little ongoing star formation or presence of interstellar gas and dust.
Elliptical galaxies are categorized based on a numerical classification system known as the Hubble sequence, with the most spherical galaxies classified as E0 and progressively more elongated ones labeled with higher numbers. These galaxies are generally redder in color compared to spiral galaxies due to the absence of young, blue stars. The absence of young stars also implies a lower level of ongoing stellar activity, leading to a less dynamic nature in comparison to other galaxy types.
With a range of sizes spanning from small dwarf galaxies to immense giants, elliptical galaxies can vary in mass and luminosity. They are often found at the centers of galaxy clusters and are believed to be the product of galaxy mergers or interactions, where smaller galaxies undergo tidal forces and eventually merge, or stars are stripped off causing them to lose their original spiral structure.
Elliptical galaxies offer valuable insights into the dynamics and evolution of galaxies, providing astrophysicists with important information about the life cycle of stars, the gravitational interactions between galaxies, and the formation and evolution of galaxy clusters.
Common Misspellings for ELLIPTICAL GALAXY
- wlliptical galaxy
- slliptical galaxy
- dlliptical galaxy
- rlliptical galaxy
- 4lliptical galaxy
- 3lliptical galaxy
- ekliptical galaxy
- epliptical galaxy
- eoliptical galaxy
- elkiptical galaxy
- elpiptical galaxy
- eloiptical galaxy
- elluptical galaxy
- elljptical galaxy
- ellkptical galaxy
- elloptical galaxy
- ell9ptical galaxy
- ell8ptical galaxy
- elliotical galaxy
- elliltical galaxy
Etymology of ELLIPTICAL GALAXY
The word "elliptical" in "elliptical galaxy" comes from the term "ellipse", which is a geometric shape resembling a flattened circle. The term "ellipse" itself originates from the Greek word "elleipsis", meaning "omission" or "falling short". The elliptical shape of these galaxies has a resemblance to an ellipse as they lack the distinct spiral arms found in spiral galaxies. Hence, the term "elliptical" was used to describe this particular type of galaxy.
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