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Elliptical Galaxy

E-type Galaxy

M49 in the populous Virgo Cluster is one of the most prominent elliptical galaxies in the sky, and an immense body even by galactic standards. With a diameter some 60% greater than that of the Milky Way, M49 is host to an estimated six thousand orbiting globular clusters. Imagery provided by Aladin sky atlas

A comparatively uncommon type of galaxy, accounting for only about 20% of those known. Elliptical galaxies show no spiral structures, and can vary in shape from spherical to highly elongated. These galaxies tend to be older than the spiral type, and show little or no star formation within them.

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