Ellipsigalaksien

Ellipsigalaksien is a galaxy type characterized by its smooth, oval shape. Unlike spiral galaxies, which possess prominent arms and a central disk, elliptical galaxies have a more featureless appearance. Their light distribution is brightest at the center and gradually fades outwards. These galaxies range in shape from nearly spherical to highly elongated, hence the term "elliptical."

The stellar populations within elliptical galaxies are typically dominated by older, redder stars. They generally contain very little interstellar gas and dust, which are the raw materials for forming new stars. This lack of gas and dust explains why star formation is largely absent in most elliptical galaxies. Their colors are predominantly red or yellow due to the prevalence of older stellar populations.

Elliptical galaxies are the most common type of galaxy in the universe, though this observation may be influenced by selection biases. They vary greatly in size, from dwarf ellipticals, which are the smallest and most numerous galaxies, to giant ellipticals, which are among the largest and most massive structures known. Giant ellipticals are often found at the centers of galaxy clusters, where they are thought to have grown by accreting smaller galaxies over billions of years. Their formation mechanisms are still a subject of active research, with theories involving mergers of smaller galaxies playing a significant role.