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Chapter 24: Problem 9

Explain why the apparent shape of an elliptical galaxy may be quite different from its real shape.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The apparent shape of an elliptical galaxy may seem different from its real shape due to the perspective from which we view it. Depending on whether we are observing from along its major or minor axis, it could appear more disk-like or more elongated, although its true shape remains elliptical.

Step by step solution

01

Identifying the Basic Structure of an Elliptical Galaxy

An elliptical galaxy is a type of galaxy characterized by its roughly elliptical shape, which means its structure is similar to an ellipsoid or a three-dimensional oval.
02

Understanding Perspective

When viewing objects in space, perspective is crucial. From different viewpoints, the same object can appear to have different shapes due to the three-dimensionality.
03

Applying Perspective to Elliptical Galaxies

If an elliptical galaxy is observed from a viewpoint along its major axis, it will appear more disk-like or circular. However, if the same galaxy is observed from a viewpoint along its minor axis, it would appear more elongated or oval-shaped.
04

Concluding the Analysis

Therefore, the apparent shape of an elliptical galaxy could be quite different from its true shape. This is because our observation depends on our viewpoint or angle of observation, which can vary widely in space. The reality is, the elliptical galaxy maintains its elliptical shape, regardless of how its shape appears to us.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

It is estimated that the Coma cluster (see Figure 24-21) contains about \(10^{13} \mathrm{M}_{\odot}\) of intracluster gas. (a) Assuming that this gas is made of hydrogen atoms, calculate the total number of intracluster gas atoms in the Coma cluster. (b) The Coma cluster is roughly spherical in shape, with a radius of about \(3 \mathrm{Mpc}\). Calculate the number of intracluster gas atoms per cubic centimeter in the Coma cluster. Assume that the gas fills the cluster uniformly. (c) Compare the intracluster gas in the Coma cluster with the gas in our atmosphere \(\left(3 \times 10^{19}\right.\) molecules per cubic centimeter, temperature \(300 \mathrm{~K}\) ); a typical gas cloud within our own Galaxy (a few hundred molecules per cubic centimeter, temperature \(50 \mathrm{~K}\) or less); and the corona of the Sun \(\left(10^{5}\right.\) atoms per cubic centimeter, temperature \(10^{6} \mathrm{~K}\) ).

. What was the Shapley-Curtis "debate" all about? Was a winner declared at the end of the "debate"? Whose ideas turned out to be correct?

What is gravitational lensing? Why don't we notice the gravitational lensing of light by ordinary objects on Earth?

What is the Hubble classification scheme? Which category includes the largest galaxies? Which includes the smallest? Which category of galaxy is the most common?

Are any galaxies besides our own visible with the naked eye from Earth? If so, which one(s)?
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