galactic shapes

galactic shapes


Galaxies are classified by their shape. The four main classes are: 1 Spiral These galaxies resemble pinwheels, with spiral arms trailing out from a bright center. Our galaxy is a spiral galaxy at the center of which is a cluster of stars known as the Milky Way. 2 Barred spiral Here, the spiral arms trail from the ends of a central bar. 3 Elliptical These galaxies do not have spiral arms. About 60% of galaxies are elliptical, varying in shape from almost spherical (like a soccer ball) to very flattened (like a football). 4 Irregular About 10% of galaxies are irregular with no definite shape.