Galaxies

 Scattered across the Universe are billions of galaxies, each containing millions or even billions of stars. Modern telescopes can now see very old galaxies that formed not long after the Universe began.

Shapes and Sizes

Some galaxies are elliptical or almost round, like huge eggs. some are spirals, with long, curved arms. Many small galaxies are irregular, with no special shape. Small galaxies may contain a few million stars and measure less than 3,000 light years across. The galactic supergiant contain billions of stars and are more than 150,000 light years across.

Galaxy Shapes

Spiral galaxy 

Spinning spiral galaxies have long, curved arms. Young stars, pink nebulas, and dust are found in the arms.

Barred spiral

Barred spirals have long, trailing arms and a central bar. The most recent stars form at the ends of the bar.

Elliptical galaxy

These galaxies are oval and made up or older stars. Many are found in galaxy clusters. Most are thought to hold supermassive black holes.

Irregular galaxy

Galaxies with no recognizable shape are irregular. They are small with lots of young stars are bright nebulas.