Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
May 1981
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1981s%26t....61..380b&link_type=abstract
Sky and Telescope, vol. 61, May 1981, p. 380-386.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
10
Astronomical Models, Elliptical Galaxies, Galactic Evolution, Galactic Structure, Star Distribution, Astronomical Photography, Big Bang Cosmology, Galactic Nuclei, Galactic Radiation, Galactic Rotation, Statistical Analysis
Scientific paper
Recent changes in the state of understanding of the shapes and ways of formation of elliptical galaxies are discussed. A few years ago both spiral and elliptical galaxies were thought to be more or less flattened oblate systems such as lenses, pancakes and disks. The discovery of a low rotational velocity of 65 km per second in the elliptical galaxy NGC 4697, followed by evidence that low rotation velocity was common among ellipticals, have caused classical models of their shapes to be rejected. Ellipticals now seem to encompass a variety of shapes, including spheres, both oblate and prolate spheroids, and triaxial ellipsoids; rather than all forming in the same way, they probably owe their shapes to accidents of birth. The assumption that elliptical galaxies contained only one old stellar population has also been overthrown by the recent discovery of a hot stellar population which indicates that perhaps new stars are forming in these systems.
No associations
LandOfFree
What shape are elliptical galaxies does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with What shape are elliptical galaxies, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and What shape are elliptical galaxies will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1442998