What would be the minimum size for a galaxy to have a disk form?

In summary, dwarf galaxies are irregular in shape and do not have the traditional disk shape associated with larger galaxies. The Magellanic Clouds were once spirals but were affected by gravity from the Milky Way, while the slightly larger Triangulum galaxy has managed to maintain its shape despite being near the more massive Andromeda galaxy. These galaxies have a diameter of less than 16 light years, making them difficult to study due to their small size and limited population. Additionally, the cosmological dynamics of dwarf galaxies are not well understood and there is no definitive answer on the topic.
  • #1
Adraasa Kynuei
3
0
So looking at pictures of dwarf galaxies and how they're just an irregular (pun intended) mess and they do not have the disk shape that we, ironically, associate with galaxies despite a small minority of galaxies being big enough to have and maintain their disk shape.

Like apparently the Magellanic Clouds were once spirals but got screwed by gravity from Milky Way but the little bit larger Trianqulum has managed to stay intact despite being in the presence of the more massive Andromeda galaxy.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
I suppose you've looked at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarf_spiral_galaxy? Says diameter can be less than 16 LY (much smaller than Triangulum at 60LY). One problem: they're hard to see far away, so we don't have a large population to study. The other problem, cosmological dynamics aren't understood well enough. Hopefully someone can give a reference to research on the topic, but don't expect a definitive answer.
 

1. What is a galaxy disk?

A galaxy disk is a flattened, rotating structure that contains stars, gas, and dust. It is one of the main components of a spiral galaxy and is where most of the galaxy's star formation occurs.

2. How is the size of a galaxy disk measured?

The size of a galaxy disk is typically measured by its diameter, which is the distance across the widest part of the disk. This can range from a few thousand light years for smaller galaxies to over 100,000 light years for larger ones.

3. What determines the minimum size for a galaxy to have a disk form?

The minimum size for a galaxy to have a disk form is largely determined by its mass. A galaxy needs to have enough mass to generate a strong gravitational force that can hold the disk together against other forces, such as the outward pressure from star formation.

4. Can a galaxy have a disk form if it is too small?

Yes, a galaxy can still have a disk form even if it is relatively small. However, the smaller the galaxy, the less likely it is to have a well-defined and stable disk. Smaller galaxies may have irregular or incomplete disks due to the weaker gravitational forces at play.

5. Are there other factors besides mass that can affect the size of a galaxy disk?

Yes, the environment of a galaxy can also play a role in determining the size of its disk. For example, galaxies in dense clusters may have their disks disrupted by interactions with other galaxies, resulting in smaller or distorted disks. Additionally, the presence of a central bulge or supermassive black hole can also affect the size and structure of a galaxy's disk.

Similar threads

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
72
Views
5K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
21
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
7
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
2
Views
11K
  • Special and General Relativity
3
Replies
94
Views
8K
Back
Top