Which characteristics are considered most typical of an old galaxy in decline?

spiral, abundant planets present spiral, abundant planets present shrinking in size, high dust content shrinking in size, high dust content very bright, relatively small very bright, relatively small low gas content, little star formation

1 answer

The most typical characteristics of an old galaxy in decline are as follows:

1. Shrinking in size: A declining galaxy tends to contract or shrink in size over time.

2. High dust content: As galaxies age, the amount of dust within them increases. This dust can obscure starlight and hinder new star formation.

3. Relatively small and very bright: Old galaxies often become smaller in size and more compact. They also tend to have a higher brightness due to the concentration of stars in a smaller volume.

4. Low gas content: Declining galaxies typically have low gas content. Gas is needed for the formation of new stars, so the depletion of gas in old galaxies results in limited star formation.

It is important to note that the presence or absence of abundant planets cannot be considered a specific characteristic of an old galaxy in decline. The formation and presence of planets are independent of a galaxy's age and decline.