GALAXIES- THE ISLANDS OF THE UNIVERSE

WHAT IS GALAXY?

A galaxy is a vast system that can contain millions to trillions of stars, along with stellar remnants, interstellar gas, and dust. They come in various shapes and sizes, and the Milky Way—our home galaxy—is just one among billions.

Types of Galaxies

Spiral Galaxies: Have distinct arms spiraling outward (e.g., Milky Way, Andromeda).

Elliptical Galaxies: Rounded or oval-shaped with little gas and dust, containing older stars.

Irregular Galaxies: No fixed shape, often formed by galaxy collisions or gravitational interactions.

Spiral Galaxy

Irregular Galaxy

Elliptical Galaxy

FORMATON AND EVOLUTION

Galaxies formed after the Big Bang, about 13.8 billion years ago, from massive clouds of gas collapsing under gravity. Over time, galaxies evolve by merging, colliding, and forming new stars, shaping the universe into its current structure.

IMPORTANCE OF GALAXIES

>Studying galaxies helps scientists:

>Understand star formation and stellar life cycles.

>Explore dark matter and dark energy, which influence galaxy motion.

>Learn about the origin of the universe and its future.

Conclusion:

Galaxies are the Cosmic Cities Of Stars, playing a crucial role in the structure and evolution of the universe. As telescopes and space probes improve, we continue to discover new galaxies, deepening our understanding of the cosmos. Every new discovery brings us closer to answering the greatest question: How did our universe come to be?