Elliptical Galaxy

space · galaxies · astronomy · stars

Smooth and oval. Unlike spiral galaxies with their fancy arms, elliptical galaxies have a clean, featureless shape that looks like a stretched or squished ball of stars. They can range from nearly round to very elongated like a football.

One of three types. Edwin Hubble, a famous astronomer, sorted galaxies into three main types in 1936, and elliptical galaxies are one of them. Spiral and lenticular galaxies are the other two main types.

Early-type galaxies. Elliptical galaxies are called early-type galaxies along with some lenticular galaxies, which means they're thought to be among the older and more evolved galaxies in the universe.

Incredibly common. Elliptical galaxies are actually very abundant throughout space and come in many different sizes, from dwarf elliptical galaxies to giants containing trillions of stars.