The Hubble Telescope Images a Magnificent Galaxy With “Flocculent” Spiral Arms

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the Hubble Space Telescope's recent image of a galaxy characterized by its "flocculent" spiral arms. Participants clarify the definition of "flocculent," relating it to wool-like textures. The conversation also touches on the rotational direction of the galaxy, with one user questioning whether it rotates clockwise or counter-clockwise based on the visible spiral arm positions. The discussion references the density wave theory to explain spiral structures in galaxies.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of astronomical terminology, specifically "flocculent" and its implications in galaxy morphology.
  • Familiarity with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and its imaging capabilities.
  • Knowledge of galaxy rotation and the significance of spiral arm orientation.
  • Basic comprehension of density wave theory in astrophysics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Hubble Space Telescope's imaging techniques and recent discoveries.
  • Study the concept of flocculent galaxies and their characteristics in astronomy.
  • Explore the density wave theory and its application in understanding spiral galaxies.
  • Investigate methods for determining the rotational direction of galaxies using observational data.
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Astronomy enthusiasts, astrophysicists, and educators interested in galaxy morphology and the implications of spiral structures in cosmic observations.

Spinnor
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Had to Google Flocculent,

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adjective

  1. having or resembling tufts of wool.
    "the first snows of winter lay thick and flocculent"
    • having a loosely clumped texture.
      "a brown flocculent precipitate"

https://scitechdaily.com/birds-of-a...gnificent-galaxy-with-flocculent-spiral-arms/
 
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Astronomy news on Phys.org
Nice! Great image from HST!
 
I knew the term flocculent; I even know a mnemonic to help remember the definition.
sheep cluster in flocks → wool comes from sheep ⇒ flocculent refers to wooly.

Generally, I expect astronomical structures like the solar system and our galaxy to rotate counter-clockwise (CCW) as pictured from 'above' the plane of the elliptic. Looking at the beautiful HST picture, I cannot determine which direction this galaxy rotates.

Do we know which direction this galaxy rotates based, perhaps, on the positions of the spiral arms? Thanks and pardon if off topic.
 
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