Answer to Question #90285 in Astronomy | Astrophysics for Shivam Nishad

Question

Explain Hubble's scheme of galaxy classification. What is the type assigned to the Milky way galaxy ?

Answer 1

The Hubble's scheme of galaxy classification divides galaxies in groups y their shape.

E - elliptical, and the number after E denotes their ellipticity;

S - spiral, the spiral galaxies with bars are labeled as SB, and spiral galaxies with arms depending on their length are labelled with small letters a-d;

Ir - irregular;

P - peculiar.

According to this classification, the Milky Way is related to a SBb or SBc type.