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Elliptical Galaxies

Elliptical galaxies_HERO AMNH/D. Finnin

Exhibition Text

Elliptical galaxies have smooth, rounded shapes because the orbits of their stars are oriented in all directions. They contain little gas and dust, and no young stars. Like spiral galaxies, elliptical galaxies are surrounded by globular star clusters and dark matter.

For Educators

Topic: Astronomy

Subtopic: Galaxies

Keywords: Astrophysics, Elliptical galaxies, Stars--Clusters, Stars--Orbits, Dark matter (Astronomy)