Why are galaxies shaped like spirals?

Thread starter jayaramas
Start date Oct 29, 2011
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Stars

In summary, a galaxy is a large system of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity, with other celestial objects such as planets, moons, and comets. The number of stars in a galaxy can vary greatly, with an average of 100 billion stars. Galaxies are formed through gravitational attraction and the merging of smaller star clusters over time. The distribution of stars in a galaxy is not uniform, with various patterns such as spiral arms, elliptical shapes, and irregular clusters. However, we cannot see the entire distribution of stars in a galaxy due to factors such as clouds of gas and dust, and limitations of technology.

Oct 29, 2011

jayaramas

why galaxies are having uneven distribution of stars, in the form of arms? actually stars should have been like a thin disk like distribution of stars.

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Oct 29, 2011

Vorde

This is one of the open questions in Astrophysics, however there are many good theories detailed here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiral_galaxy

Related to Why are galaxies shaped like spirals?

1. What is a galaxy?

A galaxy is a large system of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity. It also contains other celestial objects such as planets, moons, and comets.

2. How many stars are there in a galaxy?

The number of stars in a galaxy can vary greatly, but on average, there are around 100 billion stars in a typical galaxy.

3. How are galaxies formed?

Galaxies are formed through the process of gravitational attraction between stars and other matter. Over time, smaller clusters of stars merge together to form larger galaxies.

4. What is the distribution of stars in a galaxy?

The distribution of stars in a galaxy is not uniform. They are arranged in a variety of patterns, including spiral arms, elliptical shapes, and irregular clusters.

5. Can we see the entire distribution of stars in a galaxy?

No, we cannot see the entire distribution of stars in a galaxy because some stars are hidden behind clouds of gas and dust, and others are too far away to be seen with current technology.