A galaxy that is basically one large, smooth shape is which type?

A galaxy that is basically one large, smooth shape is which type?

• A. Spiral
• B. Elliptical
• C. Lenticular
• D. Irregular

Answer: (B)

Galaxy shape tells us how stars are arranged and how much gas and dust the galaxy has. A galaxy that appears basically as one large, smooth shape with no obvious arms or disk structure is an elliptical galaxy. The smooth appearance comes from a fairly uniform distribution of stars and little interstellar material, so there aren’t prominent regions forming new stars to create bright, winding arms. Spiral galaxies show distinct arms and a disk; lenticulars look like a disk with a central bulge but lack clear spiral arms; irregular galaxies lack a regular, smooth form and appear chaotic. So, a smooth, featureless galaxy is best described as elliptical.

Galaxy shape tells us how stars are arranged and how much gas and dust the galaxy has. A galaxy that appears basically as one large, smooth shape with no obvious arms or disk structure is an elliptical galaxy. The smooth appearance comes from a fairly uniform distribution of stars and little interstellar material, so there aren’t prominent regions forming new stars to create bright, winding arms. Spiral galaxies show distinct arms and a disk; lenticulars look like a disk with a central bulge but lack clear spiral arms; irregular galaxies lack a regular, smooth form and appear chaotic. So, a smooth, featureless galaxy is best described as elliptical.