Why Do Galaxies Form Spiral Shapes?

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Galaxies form spiral shapes primarily due to the effects of angular momentum as matter coalesces, resulting in a natural disk formation. The spiral structure likely arises from matter accumulating at irregular intervals, which then gravitates toward the nearest mass. This process creates regions of increased gravitational attraction, leading to further accumulation of matter. As more material gathers, the gravitational pull intensifies, promoting the spiral shape. Ultimately, the dynamics of gravity and angular momentum explain the formation of spiral galaxies.
eosphorus
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how can this be explained?
 
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Space Tiger answered this very nicely when someone asked about the solar system being on a 'plane'. As matter with angular momentum comes together, a disk shape is the most natural organization. The spiral aspect is probably (as my guess) the result of matter arriving at irregular intervals and attaching itself to the nearest gravity source. As more stuff accumulates, the gravitational attraction in that area increases and attracts more matter, and thus it escalates.
 

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