What does a spiral galaxy look like when seen edge-on?
A) thick, straight line of light with a central light bulge
B) circular, with no evidence of spiral arms since they are hidden by dust and gas
C) thick line curved into a spiral shape
D) thick, straight line with constant thickness

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When viewed edge-on, a spiral galaxy appears as a thick, straight line of light due to its disk-like structure, with a central bulge where the density of stars is greater. The spiral arms are not visible in this orientation, contributing to the appearance of a straight line with a bulge.

What Does a Spiral Galaxy Look Like When Seen Edge-On