Definitions
- Referring to a large system of stars, planets, gas, and dust held together by gravity. - Talking about a group of celestial bodies that share a common origin and are bound together by mutual gravitational attraction. - Describing a vast collection of stars, interstellar gas, and dark matter that form a distinct structure in space.
- Referring to a group of stars or galaxies that are close together in space. - Talking about a collection of similar objects or entities that are grouped together. - Describing a small group of people or things that are closely located or associated with each other.
List of Similarities
- 1Both refer to groups of celestial bodies or objects.
- 2Both involve a collection of entities that are bound together in some way.
- 3Both can be used to describe a concentration or grouping of things.
- 4Both are related to the field of astronomy and space science.
- 5Both can be used to describe a specific area or location.
What is the difference?
- 1Size: Galaxies are much larger than clusters and can contain billions of stars, while clusters are smaller and can contain hundreds or thousands of stars.
- 2Composition: Galaxies are made up of stars, planets, gas, and dust, while clusters are typically composed of stars or galaxies.
- 3Structure: Galaxies have a distinct structure and can be spiral, elliptical, or irregular, while clusters do not have a specific structure.
- 4Distance: Galaxies are usually much farther apart from each other than clusters are from their neighboring objects.
- 5Formation: Galaxies are formed through gravitational collapse and mergers, while clusters can be formed through the same process or through the accumulation of smaller objects.
Remember this!
Galaxy and cluster are both terms used in astronomy and space science to describe groups of celestial bodies or objects. However, the main difference between them is their size and composition. A galaxy is a much larger system of stars, planets, gas, and dust held together by gravity, while a cluster is a smaller group of stars or galaxies that are close together in space.