2006-12-04 01:09:15 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
In both cases, you have cloudy material that is embedded in a differentially-rotating velocity field. This tends to shread the cloudy material into short spiral segments.
You can get the same effect in your coffee cup by stirring the coffee, let it settle into a smooth rotation, then pour a little milk in the center.
2006-12-04 01:21:46 · answer #1 · answered by cosmo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is pretty much a coincidence. Spiral galaxies have the shape they do because all the stellar material you see is orbiting a massive black hole at the centre.
While the mechanics of a hurricane do involve gravity, that's the earth's gravity and the earth's own rotation causing the spin, and not the eye. I'd further note that the eye is peaceful - you would never find the black hole in the centre of a galaxy to be a particularly peaceful place.
2006-12-04 01:19:15 · answer #2 · answered by evolver 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Other than the shape, no relation. The shape arises from a central force -- gravity in the case of galaxies, and a low pressure center in the case of hurricanes.
2006-12-04 01:15:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The lowest atmospheric pressure at the center (eye) of a hurricane prevents it from flying apart and dissipating as it spins.
The total mass of a galaxy acting as though concentrated at its center attracts all stars, planets and gas within preventing it from flying apart as it spins.
In both cases there is an attraction toward the center maintaining organization.
2006-12-04 02:07:01 · answer #4 · answered by Kes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have similar shapes because of the laws of physics. If you spin anything fast enough, it will become circular.
2006-12-04 01:20:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋