Galaxies & Their Types

A simple, beautiful look into what galaxies are, how they form, and their main classifications.

What is a Galaxy?

A galaxy is a massive system made of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter held together by gravity. Our home galaxy is the Milky Way.

How Do They Form?

Galaxies form from giant clouds of gas collapsing under gravity. Collisions and mergers between galaxies also play a major role in shaping them.

Types of Galaxies

Spiral: Like the Milky Way, with arms wrapping around a bright center. Rich in gas and active star formation.
Elliptical: Rounded or oval-shaped, containing older stars and very little gas. Often formed by galaxy mergers.
Irregular: No fixed shape; usually distorted due to gravitational interactions with other galaxies.

Ready to test your knowledge and earn XP?

Start Skill Assessment