Why does the galaxy LEDA 074886 appear rectangular?

In summary, the galaxy LEDA 074886 appears rectangular due to its orientation and angle of view from Earth, which gives it a flattened appearance. This shape is not common among galaxies, as most have a more symmetrical shape. The brighter edges of the galaxy are caused by a concentration of stars in the galactic disk, tilted towards our line of sight. LEDA 074886 is approximately 200 million light-years away from Earth, and studying its rectangular shape can provide insights into its formation and evolution, as well as the processes that shape other galaxies in the universe.
  • #1
!Jon Snow!
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w9PGgXi.jpg

LEDA 074886, also known as PGC 74886, is a dwarf galaxy with a rare rectangular shape, located at a distance of about 70,000,000 light-years ( 21,000,000 pc) ...
 
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  • #3
!Jon Snow! said:
w9PGgXi.jpg

LEDA 074886, also known as PGC 74886, is a dwarf galaxy with a rare rectangular shape, located at a distance of about 70,000,000 light-years ( 21,000,000 pc) ...


A giant bacterium?
 

1. Why does the galaxy LEDA 074886 appear rectangular?

The rectangular shape of the galaxy LEDA 074886 is due to its orientation and angle of view from Earth. From our vantage point, the galaxy appears to be viewed edge-on, giving it a rectangular appearance. In reality, galaxies are not perfectly symmetrical and can have irregular shapes.

2. Is the rectangular shape of galaxy LEDA 074886 common?

No, rectangular galaxies are not very common. This shape is usually seen in galaxies that are viewed edge-on, giving them a flattened appearance. Most galaxies have a more symmetrical shape, such as spiral or elliptical.

3. What causes the edges of galaxy LEDA 074886 to appear brighter?

The brighter edges of the galaxy LEDA 074886 are caused by the presence of more stars in those areas. These stars are concentrated in the galactic disk, which is tilted towards our line of sight, making it appear brighter at the edges.

4. How far away is galaxy LEDA 074886 from Earth?

The galaxy LEDA 074886 is located approximately 200 million light-years away from Earth. This means that the light we see from the galaxy now has traveled for 200 million years before reaching our telescopes.

5. What can we learn from studying the rectangular shape of galaxy LEDA 074886?

Studying the rectangular shape of galaxy LEDA 074886 can provide insights into its formation and evolution. The unique shape may be a result of interactions with other galaxies or the influence of a supermassive black hole at its center. This can also help us understand the processes that shape other galaxies in the universe.

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