Question | Answer |
How do we measure distance in space? | Light years, the distance light travels in one year. |
What are the three kinds of galaxies? | spiral, elliptical and irregular |
What are the characteristics of a spiral galaxy? | a center bulge and spiral arms; it contains middle aged stars |
What are the characteristics of an elliptical galaxy? | a bright center, little to no gas or dust; it contains old stars |
What are the characteristics of irregular galaxies? | they have undetermined shapes and young stars |
What do galaxies contain? | gas clouds, dust particles, stars, star clusters, dark matter, Black Holes |
What kind of galaxy is the Milky Way? | barred spiral |
Where is the Milky Way located? | in The Local Group near Andromeda |
Where is Earth located within the Milky Way? | Orion Arm on the outer edge of the galaxy |
Why do scientists believe that Black Holes may be at the center of all galaxies? | Because the strong gravitational pull of a Black Hole would keep the contents of the galaxy in place much like our sun keeps solar system in place |
Why was Edwin Hubble important to the study of galaxies and outer space? | He designed the Hubble telescope which allowed scientists to see more than before; he also classified the different kinds of galaxies. |