jellyfish galaxy

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. a type of galaxy created by ram pressure stripping the interstellar gas from a galaxy by the high temperature higher pressure intracluster medium, forming long tendrils of concentrated gas trailing behind the galaxy, which form nebulae and new stars, giving the appearance of celestial jellyfish

Word forms

jellyfish galaxy jellyfish galaxies

Etymology

From the appearance of the galaxy being reminiscent of a jellyfish.

Related words

blue galaxy green galaxy red galaxy dead galaxy
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