Grand design spiral galaxy

Spiral galaxy with prominent and well-defined spiral arms

A grand design spiral galaxy is a spiral galaxy with prominent and well-defined continuous spiral arms, as opposed to multi-arm, patchy and flocculent spirals which have subtler structural features. The spiral arms of a grand design galaxy extend clearly around the galaxy, covering a significant portion of the galaxy's circumference. These spiral arms host much star formation, making them home to an abundance of bright, hot, and short-lived massive stars.

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