2006-11-03 14:24:24 · 9 answers · asked by redstorm 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
first, not all galaxies are disc shaped, some are spherical, some spiral and some are random. There have been theories that older galaxies are more elliptical and younger ones more spherical, however there have also been arguments against this. Generally galaxies are classified with the new "hubble tuning fork" method, however there are others as well. As to why they aren't spherical like planets are, that is mostly an issue of size. Planets, in comparison to glaxies are infintessimily small and able to pull themselves into a spherical shape. Galaxies, being so huge and with so much matter are not all nessacarily even. If you want more information i'd say go check out wikipedia or ask an astronomy professor at your or a local college. they're generally more than willing to spread the knowledge!
2006-11-03 14:41:21 · answer #1 · answered by magnolia9 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually there are many that are spherical. Look up the Sombrero Galaxy. The are called elliptical galaxies. After our galaxy and Andromeda collide in 3 billion years its expected that the resulting galaxy will be elliptical.
2006-11-03 14:52:38 · answer #2 · answered by Michael da Man 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some of them are spherical, But most are spiral Galaxy's, See when they formed they where already spinning do to tidal forces or gravitational pull of it's core, 99% of the time that's a star, Then as the forces increase the spear get stretched out like a peace of gum. Think of it like this, you have a ball of dough if you spin it around the ball will flatten out it's just like that. That is the simplest way I can describe it With out going in to a lecture. I hope this helps.
2006-11-03 14:39:52 · answer #3 · answered by matt v 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, the reason the spinning ones didn't form into a sphere is because they're not solid like planets are, just bits of matter held in a spinning disk by collective gravity.
2006-11-03 14:32:53 · answer #4 · answered by Free Ranger 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Spiral galaxies, because they were spinning during formation and that makes them flatten out a bit.
2006-11-03 14:31:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Some of them are spherical.
2006-11-03 14:27:01 · answer #6 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
well if you subscribe to the big bang theory
it's the ripple effect
or the doppler effect
2006-11-03 15:11:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I stirr my coffee the shape changes as I stirr it faster.
2006-11-03 17:26:25 · answer #8 · answered by Ellis26 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In a word, gravity!
2006-11-03 15:42:13 · answer #9 · answered by Proud Liberal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋