Galaxies Beyond Our Own

Posted on May 15, 2008
Filed Under Astronomy, Science | Comments Off

You are one person in a country of numbered residents. Your country is one of many on this Earth. The Earth is one of the planets found in our galaxy. Our galaxy is only one of the numerous ones found in the entire universe.

Often times, people don’t know much about their neighbors, let alone their country, except maybe for a few common facts. That being said, it isn’t a surprise to know that the human race in general has limited knowledge of galaxies, in spite of the overall number of discoveries made by scientists and astronomers of the past and present. We know little about the Milky Way, which is our galaxy, so what more of the other galaxies that comprise the universe.

Yes, scientists and astronomers have given names and have some facts with regard to galaxies. However, the information about them isn’t as precise, with only general knowledge available. There is nothing wrong with that; in fact, it is understandable when you think of how great the universe is.

Of the information that scientists and astronomers have about galaxies, one can learn from them. A galaxy is simply a system that normally consists of billions of stars, including a number of star systems and clusters. Because of the shapes that stars make while looking at a galaxy, there have been three types of galaxies that have been classified: elliptical galaxies, spiral ones, and irregulars.

The elliptical galaxy has been classified because its shape. Aside from that, a characteristic such as the motion of stars is part of the classification criteria. In an elliptical galaxy, the movement of the stars is at a random motion, which is contrary to that of spiral galaxies. An elliptical galaxy usually consists of older stars, as evidenced by its yellowish red color.

The spiral galaxy, unlike the elliptical galaxy is such that it has a set motion, as opposed to random ones. The stars in a spiral galaxy are somewhat young, which is evidenced by its bluish hue, typical of younger stars. The Milky Way is classified as part of the spiral galaxy family.

Galaxies that have characteristics that are different or not similar to the two kinds of galaxies mentioned above belong to the irregular group. Even galaxies that have the traits of the ellipticals and spiral galaxies combined (known as lenticular galaxies) are classified as irregulars. Another example of an irregular galaxy is the ring galaxy, which is named because of the shape it produces when viewed.

How did scientists and astronomers arrive at these thoughts? Through careful observation, study, and hypotheses. Thanks to the wonders of technology, the power of the telescopes they have has led them to conclude that there are other galaxies aside from our own. Although these telescopes are highly powerful, they still have limits, which is what the electromagnetic spectrum can only show.

Unfortunately for most home astronomers, the telescopes that they have aren’t powerful enough to view galaxies, or even have a distinct view of the Milky Way. Mostly, the limit of home astronomy is the stars beyond that would require instruments of greater power and even of different types. If you really would like to see the Milky Way and other galaxies, one option would be to talk to the person in charge at your local observatory, they may have a telescope powerful enough.

X-ray telescopes, ultraviolet telescopes, and infrared telescopes are the ones mostly used in viewing galaxies, since they can paint a clearer picture. Because visual light is lacking, it is necessary to use other types of telescopes to form a conclusion or even a hypothesis. It is very difficult to acquire telescopes of these types (as opposed to optical telescopes), which is why viewing galaxies at home via telescope isn’t feasible.

This doesn’t mean that you should tear down your home astronomy setup or get discouraged about putting one up. There are still many things you can do with a home astronomy kit such as gazing at the stars, moon, and even the sun (with the help of filters). Besides, even scientists themselves are limited because of the immense vastness of the universe.

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