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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-galaxy-three-types

Which list names the three main galaxy shapes taught to cadets?

Spiral, elliptical and irregular.

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  1. Spiral, elliptical and planetary
  2. Spiral, elliptical and irregular ✔
  3. Lenticular, globular and cometary

Why: Scientists sort galaxies by shape. Spirals have pinwheel arms, ellipticals look like smooth glowing ovals, and irregulars have no neat shape at all.

Huh, didn't know that: NASA also lists a fourth in-between shape, lenticular, which looks like a lens or a spiral without arms.

The dad joke
Why did the irregular galaxy skip the photo? It could never get into shape.
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References

Answer: Spiral, elliptical and irregular. Scientists sort galaxies by shape. Spirals have pinwheel arms, ellipticals look like smooth glowing ovals, and irregulars have no neat shape at all.

  1. CAP Aerospace Dimensions Module 5, Space Environment akwg.cap.gov/media/cms/Module_5__Space_Environment_C640727DEF762_83c5b.pdf
    There are three main shapes of galaxies: elliptical, spiral, and irregular.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. NASA Science: Galaxy Types science.nasa.gov/universe/galaxies/types
    They have the central bulge and disk common to spiral galaxies but no arms.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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