ABSTRACT. The classification of galaxies according to
their shape is a
fundamental tool in astronomy. It is through classification schemes
that astronomers build a deeper understanding of how galaxies form and
evolve. This long-awaited book by one of the pioneers of the field
provides a concise and up-to-date summary of current ideas about
galaxy morphology and classification.
This is the first book to be dedicated entirely to the shapes and
classifications of galaxies. It introduces the most widely used
schemes (including those by Hubble, de Vaucouleurs, Morgan, the author
and Elmegreen), explains how they have developed and what they can
tell us about galaxies. Professor van den Bergh also presents evidence
for how galaxies might `transmute' from one type to another. It is
also shown how very distant galaxies (for instance, those seen in the
Hubble Deep Field) often defy standard classification
schemes. Finally, this book discusses recent work on the use of
computers to classify digital images of galaxies automatically.
This topical volume provides graduate students and researchers with
a unique and indispensable reference on the classification and shape
of galaxies.
Table of Contents
Introduction
- The Hubble Tuning Fork Diagram
- Galaxy Types that Do Not Fit Into the Hubble Scheme
- Modifications of the Hubble Scheme
- Some Historical Notes
- Summary
For the book's entire chapter contents, please click here.
