Why Is The Galaxy Spiral?

Why Is The Galaxy Spiral? Astronomers believe that galaxies have spiral arms because galaxies rotate – or spin around a central axis – and because of something called “density waves.” Galactic density waves are like water waves. … A spiral galaxy’s rotation, or spin, bends the waves into spirals. How is a spiral galaxies formed?

What Causes The Formation Of A Spiral Galaxy?

What Causes The Formation Of A Spiral Galaxy? Spirals exist only among flattened or ‘disk’ galaxies. These galaxies are differentially rotating–that is, the time to complete a full rotation increases with distance from the center. Differential rotation causes any disturbance in the disk to wind up into a spiral form. Why do spiral galaxies form?