Horizons: Exploring the Universe (MindTap Course List)
Horizons: Exploring the Universe (MindTap Course List)
14th Edition
ISBN: 9781305960961
Author: Michael A. Seeds, Dana Backman
Publisher: Cengage Learning
bartleby

Concept explainers

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 13, Problem 1RQ
To determine

For what reason can't the advancement of galaxies go from elliptical to spiral? From spiral to elliptical?

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

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.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Physics
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Foundations of Astronomy (MindTap Course List)
Physics
ISBN:9781337399920
Author:Michael A. Seeds, Dana Backman
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Stars and Galaxies (MindTap Course List)
Physics
ISBN:9781337399944
Author:Michael A. Seeds
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:9781938168284
Author:Andrew Fraknoi; David Morrison; Sidney C. Wolff
Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
Stars and Galaxies
Physics
ISBN:9781305120785
Author:Michael A. Seeds, Dana Backman
Publisher:Cengage Learning