Originally, it was believed that elliptical galaxies would turn into spiral galaxies, but we have since found this to not be true. Elliptical galaxies..... in short, are not active. They are characterized by a distinct lack of star forming gases, and little to no new star formation. Existing stars seldom interact with one another, so much of the shape comes from those star forming gases, via angular momentum.
Player_KK t1_j81edoc wrote
Reply to comment by thomasxin in Why is the Oort cloud spherical? by Outliver
Originally, it was believed that elliptical galaxies would turn into spiral galaxies, but we have since found this to not be true. Elliptical galaxies..... in short, are not active. They are characterized by a distinct lack of star forming gases, and little to no new star formation. Existing stars seldom interact with one another, so much of the shape comes from those star forming gases, via angular momentum.
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At least this is how I understand it.