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What makes galaxies spin in a certain direction? And do they all spin in the same direction?

Mark Thompson
Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, UK

No, they don’t all spin in the same direction. Galaxy rotation is complex and diverse. These objects come in various shapes and sizes, and their rotational patterns can differ significantly.

There are a few main types of galaxies. Spiral ones, like our Milky Way, have a central bulge surrounded by spiral arms. These galaxies often exhibit a coherent rotation, where the stars and gas in the disc generally move in the same direction around the galactic centre.…