What is a lenticular galaxy?

On Wed, 16 Feb 2000, you wrote:

> i am a 11 year old that is studying galaxies. I think I understand a
> spiral, ellipticals and irregular galaxies. But i do not know what a
> Lenticular galaxies is. Can you please explain it. and tell me how
> they are different.
> billy

Hi Billy!

The word "lenticular" is means lens-shaped. If you look at a picture of a
lenticular galaxy, it sort of looks like a lens (if you squint).

A lenticular galaxy is a cross between an elliptical galaxy and a spiral
galaxy. They look like an elliptical galaxy with a disk of stars and dust
running around the middle of the galaxy. They generally do not have
spiral arms.

You can see a picture of a lenticular galaxy at the following web site:
http://www.seds.org/messier/Jpg/ngc5866.jpg

Generally, lenticular galaxies are pretty hard to tell from elliptical
galaxies by eye unless you see them edge-on.

A web page that talks about the different types of galaxies is:
http://www.seds.org/messier/galaxy.html

I hope this helps. Please write back if you have any more questions!

Sincerely,
Kurtis Williams

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