Concept explainers
For what reason can't the advancement of galaxies go from elliptical to spiral? From spiral to elliptical?
Explanation of Solution
Galaxies come in three basic classifications, elliptical, spiral, and irregular. Elliptical galaxies are in elliptical shape or round shape, contain no visible gas and dust, and lack hot, bright stars. Spiral galaxies contain spiral arms and a disk. These galaxies contain gas and dust and hot, bright O and B type stars. Finally, irregular galaxies are composed of a chaotic mix of gas and dust, but do not have an obvious central bulge or spiral arms.
The reason that the evolution of galaxies can`t go from elliptical to spiral(or spiral to elliptical) is due to the fact that basic components of these two galaxy types is so different. Elliptical galaxies contain no visible gas and dust, and lack hot, bright stars while spiral galaxies contain gas and dust and hot, bright O and B type stars. So, it`s not possible for one of these types of galaxies to evolve to become the other type, whose constituents are very different.
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Chapter 13 Solutions
Horizons: Exploring the Universe (MindTap Course List)
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