Since galaxies have first been discovered, scientists have incessantly tried to find a way to determine their shape. Given by their endless movement and continuous expansion of the universe, such a task seems almost impossible. However, a team of researchers from the University of Sydney might have found a way to fulfill it. The answer might be lying in the speed of its rotation.
Uncovering the shapes of galaxies is a difficult task
Galaxies are made up of entire planetary systems which are in constant movement. Also, they have an axis going through their center around which they rotate. As the universe expands, they are trying to de-cluster, and are going as far away from each other as possible. Therefore, it is understandable why measuring their shape is quite complicated.
Fortunately, researchers from the University of Sydney might have found a way to solve this seemingly impossible task. The shape of a galaxy might depend on its spinning movement, more precisely on the speed of its duration. Therefore, they come in different shapes, and you can never see two of them look alike.
The speed of movement and the direction of spin are worth considering
Our universe is incredibly complex, as it’s made up of all kinds of planetary systems arranged in different shapes, creating galaxies. They are so hard to study, since you can never see a galaxy in its entirety. However, what you can grasp is how all bodies are aligned, judging from its movement both around its axis and through space.
This became possible with the study of individual stars in a galaxy. By seeing how each star moves, you can slowly identify the pattern followed by all stars in the galaxy. Also, you can identify their position, and see which are moving towards you, and which are moving in the opposite direction. The speed is important as well, as a slower speed allowed the formation of more diverse shapes.
All the details regarding the analysis and the discoveries have been published in a paper, in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
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