Astronomy
Astronomy
1st Edition
ISBN: 9781938168284
Author: Andrew Fraknoi; David Morrison; Sidney C. Wolff
Publisher: OpenStax
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Textbook Question
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Chapter 26, Problem 1E

Describe the main distinguishing features of spiral, elliptical, and irregular galaxies.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
To determine

The differences between spiral, elliptical and irregular galaxies.

Explanation of Solution

The differences between spiral, elliptical and irregular galaxies are stated in the table below.

CharacteristicsSpiral galaxyElliptical galaxyIrregular galaxy
MassThe mass of the spiral galaxy is 109
to 1012
times of the mass of the sun.
The mass of the elliptical galaxy is 105
to 1013
times of the mass of the sun.
The mass of the irregular galaxy is 108
to 1011
times of the mass of the sun.
DiameterThe diameter of the spiral galaxy is 15,000
to 150,000light-years
.
The diameter of the elliptical galaxy is 3,000
to >700,000light-years
.
The diameter of the irregular galaxy is 3,000
to 30,000light-years
.
LuminosityThe luminosity of the spiral galaxy is 108
to 1011
times of the luminosity of the sun.
The luminosity of the elliptical galaxy is 106
to 1011
times of the luminosity of the sun.
The luminosity of the irregular galaxy is 107
to 2×109
times of the luminosity of the sun.
StarsThe spiral galaxy consists of a large population of old and young stars.The elliptical galaxy consists of a large population of old stars.The irregular galaxy consists of a large population of old and young stars.
Interstellar material The spiral galaxy consists of gas and dust as interstellar material. The elliptical galaxy consists of a little amount of gas and almost no dust as interstellar material. The irregular galaxy consists of gas and dust as interstellar material
Mass to light ratio in the visible part The mass to light ratio in the visible part of the spiral galaxy is 2 to 10. The mass to light ratio in the visible part of the elliptical galaxy is 10 to 20. The mass to light ratio in the visible part of an irregular galaxy is 1 to 10.
Mass to light ratio for galaxy The mass to light ratio for the spiral galaxy is 100. The mass to light ratio for the elliptical galaxy is 100. The mass to light ratio for the irregular galaxy is not defined.

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Chapter 26 Solutions

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