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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Galaxy and Universe?

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The main difference between a galaxy and the universe lies in their scale and composition. Here are the key differences:

  • Galaxy: A galaxy is a huge collection of gas, dust, and billions of stars and their solar systems, all held together by gravity. Galaxies come in various sizes, with the Milky Way, our home galaxy, being just one among billions of galaxies in the universe. Some galaxies are larger than the Milky Way, such as the Andromeda Galaxy. Galaxies typically contain millions to trillions of stars.
  • Universe: The universe is everything, containing all galaxies, stars, planets, and space. It formed with the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago and has been expanding ever since. The visible universe extends out for 46 billion light-years, but there are parts of the universe beyond this boundary that we cannot see. The universe is vastly larger than any single galaxy, containing countless solar systems and billions of galaxies.

In summary, a galaxy is a large collection of stars, solar systems, and other celestial objects, while the universe is the totality of all galaxies, stars, planets, and space.

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  • What is the Difference Between Galaxy and Universe?
  • Comparative Table: Galaxy vs Universe

    • Comparative Table: Galaxy vs Universe

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between a galaxy and the universe:

    Feature Galaxy Universe
    Definition A galaxy is a collection of gas, dust, and billions of stars and their solar systems, held together by gravity. The universe is the totality of all matter and energy, including all galaxies, stars, planets, and space.
    Contents Galaxies contain millions to trillions of stars, including those with planets orbiting them. The universe contains all galaxies, stars, planets, and space, with no specific limit.
    Quantity There are two trillion galaxies in the observable universe. There is only one universe.
    Scale Galaxies can vary in size, with some being as large as the Milky Way. The universe extends for 46 billion light-years and is expanding.
    Expansion Galaxies may be part of larger structures like galaxy clusters and superclusters. The universe is expanding uniformly in all directions, with galaxies moving away from each other.

    In summary, galaxies are massive collections of stars and solar systems, while the universe is the totality of all matter and energy, including all galaxies and their contents.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.