The Synthesis of "galaxies"

What is a galaxy? Discover these vast cosmic islands of stars, gas, and dark matter held together by gravity. Explore our own Milky Way and beyond.

Discover irregular galaxies, the cosmic mavericks with no defined shape. Learn why these unique structures are vital for understanding star formation.

Discover elliptical galaxies, the smooth, oval-shaped star cities that hold clues to the universe's history and evolution. Learn why they matter.

Discover our home, the Milky Way. Learn about the barred spiral galaxy containing our solar system, billions of stars, and a central black hole.

Explore spiral galaxies, the stunning star cities with swirling arms that are home to stars like our sun. Learn why our own Milky Way fits this type.

Explore galaxy evolution, the study of how galaxies form and change over billions of years, from early starbursts to the massive structures we see today.

Explore galaxy clusters, the largest gravitationally bound structures in the cosmos, containing thousands of galaxies, hot gas, and mysterious dark matter.

Explore the cosmic spectacle of colliding galaxies, how they forge new stars, and the fate of our own Milky Way in its eventual merger.

Discover barred spiral galaxies, a common galaxy type featuring a central bar of stars. Learn how this structure, like our own Milky Way's, impacts star formation.

What does 'extragalactic' mean? Explore the science of everything that exists beyond the Milky Way, from nearby galaxies to distant quasars.