Which statements describe elliptical galaxies? Select the two correct answers.(1 point)
Responses
They include the universe's largest galaxies.
They are the most common galaxy type.
They typically contain very little gas and dust.
They include the Milky Way.
The correct statements about elliptical galaxies are:
- They typically contain very little gas and dust.
- They include the universe's largest galaxies.
The correct statements describing elliptical galaxies are:
1. They typically contain very little gas and dust.
2. They are the most common galaxy type.
To determine which statements describe elliptical galaxies, we need to understand the characteristics of these galaxies.
First, elliptical galaxies do not include the Milky Way. The Milky Way is a barred spiral galaxy, not an elliptical galaxy. Therefore, the statement "They include the Milky Way" is incorrect.
Now, let's examine the remaining options:
1. "They include the universe's largest galaxies": This statement is generally true. Elliptical galaxies can indeed be some of the largest known galaxies in the universe, containing billions to trillions of stars.
2. "They are the most common galaxy type": This statement is also generally true. Elliptical galaxies are considered to be one of the most common types of galaxies, along with spiral and irregular galaxies.
Lastly, let's examine the statement, "They typically contain very little gas and dust." This statement is also correct. Unlike spiral galaxies, which have prominent gas and dust-rich disks, elliptical galaxies generally have very little gas and dust. They are composed mainly of old stars and lack active star formation.
Therefore, the correct statements about elliptical galaxies are:
- They include the universe's largest galaxies.
- They typically contain very little gas and dust.