SPIRAL GALAXY Meaning and
Definition
-
A spiral galaxy is a type of celestial object that is characterized by a distinct spiral structure within its disk-like shape. It is one of the most common types of galaxies observed in the universe.
The term "spiral" refers to the arms that extend outwards from a central bulge, creating a pattern that resembles a spiral or pinwheel. These arms are composed of young, hot stars, as well as interstellar matter such as gas and dust. Spiral galaxies are often classified according to the tightness and number of their arms, resulting in different subtypes such as grand design spirals or barred spirals.
The central region of a spiral galaxy, called the bulge, is typically dense and contains older stars. It may also host a supermassive black hole at its center, often with a mass of millions to billions of times that of the Sun.
Spiral galaxies can vary greatly in size, with some spanning only a few thousand light-years, while others can be more than a hundred thousand light-years across. They can also have different colors, indicating variations in star formation activity and chemical composition.
Research on spiral galaxies has contributed to our understanding of the structure and evolution of the universe. Their unique spiral arms provide insights into how galaxies form and change over time, as well as the dynamics of stellar populations within them.
Common Misspellings for SPIRAL GALAXY
- apiral galaxy
- zpiral galaxy
- xpiral galaxy
- dpiral galaxy
- epiral galaxy
- wpiral galaxy
- soiral galaxy
- sliral galaxy
- s-iral galaxy
- s0iral galaxy
- spural galaxy
- spjral galaxy
- spkral galaxy
- sporal galaxy
- sp9ral galaxy
- sp8ral galaxy
- spieal galaxy
- spidal galaxy
- spifal galaxy
Etymology of SPIRAL GALAXY
The word "spiral" in "spiral galaxy" originates from the Latin word "spiralis", which means "winding" or "coiling". It is derived from the Latin verb "spirare", meaning "to breathe" or "to blow". The term describes the characteristic shape of spiral galaxies, which exhibit a central bulge surrounded by arms that wind outwards in a spiral pattern.
Similar spelling words for SPIRAL GALAXY
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
