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Irregular galaxies can have any shape. There are two types of irregular galaxy: Type I's and Type II’s
These are single galaxies that have a strange shape. They have discs and bulges like spiral galaxies, but they don’t have spiral arms and their bulges are not in the middle. This is a type I irregular galaxy called NGC 55 (©AAO). You can see its bright bulge on the right side of the middle. You can also see dark patches of cold dust and bright patches of hot dust.
Type II irregular galaxies are made when two galaxies collide.
Astronomers have used powerful computers to show what this might look like. You can see what they found by clicking here (Space Movie Archive).
The simulation also shows regions of star formation where the gas is squeezed and heated. The red regions are areas where lots of stars are being made, and blue areas are quieter, with few stars being made. (This research was carried out by Chris Mihos and Lars Hernquist of University College, Santa Cruz). The collision shown would last for about 1.5 billion years.
This picture on the left is of the middle of the Antennae galaxy. It was taken by the AAO. This is one of the best known type II irregular galaxies and is made up of two separate galaxies that are colliding.
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Image courtesy of the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes, La Palma |
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Author: Nigel Bannister
Updated by: Carolyn Brinkworth and Claire Thomas
Last updated: July 2001