As interstellar clouds approach the spiral arm region it helps them to begin the collapsing process and eventually form a star.
Two primary theories explain how the spiral arms of galaxies are maintained: the density wave theory and the self-propagating star formation theory. The density wave theory posits that spiral arms are not made up of material but are instead regions of higher density that rotate around the galaxy, causing stars and gas to cluster and create the appearance of arms. The self-propagating star formation theory suggests that star formation occurs in waves, where the formation of new stars triggers further star formation in adjacent areas, leading to the development of spiral patterns over time. Both theories highlight the dynamic processes that contribute to the structure of spiral galaxies.
All types of galaxies have a core with a high star density. All galaxies with "arms" are called Spiral Galaxies, of which there are sub-types related to the shape of the arms.
New stars are typically found in the spiral arms of a spiral galaxy. This is because the density of gas and dust is higher in the arms, creating the conditions necessary for star formation to occur. The gravitational forces within the spiral arms also play a role in triggering the collapse of gas clouds into new stars.
This type of galaxy is categorized as a spiral galaxy. The bulge at the center contains older stars, while the spiral arms consist of younger stars and gas and dust regions where new star formation occurs. The Milky Way is an example of a galaxy with a bulge and spiral arms.
A flattened combination of matter containing stars, gas, and dust in a spiral galaxy is identified as the galaxy's disk. This disk is where most of the galaxy's star formation occurs and contains the majority of its stars and interstellar material. The spiral arms within the disk are regions of higher density that enhance star formation.
In the spiral arms
Nebulae are located within the spiral arms of spiral galaxies. These regions are areas of star formation where gas and dust clouds collide and condense, leading to the birth of new stars. The glowing gas and dust of nebulae can be seen as colorful patches within the spiral arms of galaxies like the Milky Way.
Most stars in spiral galaxies form in regions known as spiral arms, where gas and dust are denser. The gravitational interactions and compressive forces in these areas trigger the collapse of molecular clouds, leading to star formation. The ongoing star formation in these arms contributes to the vibrant, blue appearance characteristic of young, hot stars, while older stars can be found in the galaxy's central bulge and halo. This dynamic process also influences the overall structure and evolution of the galaxy.
Most of the times, the brightest part of the galaxy is at the ceentre due the higher density of stars .Also if the galaxy is a spiral then the brightest part of the galaxy are the spiral arms because they are the star formation areas in the galaxy
Spiral galaxies are named for the (usually two armed) spiral structures that extend from the centre into the disk.The spiral arms are sites of ongoing star formation and are brighter than the surrounding disk because of the young, hot stars.See related link for a pictorial representation.
A spiral galaxy looks like a flat, rotating disk with spiral arms extending outwards from a central bulge. Its structure differs from other types of galaxies, like elliptical or irregular galaxies, because it has a defined disk shape with spiral arms, while other galaxies may have more irregular or rounded shapes.
They initiate new star formation. Therefore they are responsible for the formation of new stars.