Adwarf spiral galaxy is the dwarf version of aspiral galaxy. Dwarf galaxies are characterized as having lowluminosities, small diameters (less than 5kpc), low surface brightnesses, and lowhydrogen masses.[1] The galaxies may be considered a subclass oflow-surface-brightness galaxies.
Dwarf spiral galaxies, particularly the dwarf counterparts ofSa–Sc type spiral galaxies, are quite rare. In contrast,dwarf elliptical galaxies, dwarfirregular galaxies, and the dwarf versions ofMagellanic type galaxies (which may be considered transitory between spiral and irregular in terms of morphology) are very common.[1]
It is suggested that dwarf spiral galaxies can transform into dwarf elliptical galaxies, especially in dense cluster environments.[2]
Most identified dwarf spiral galaxies are located outsideclusters.[1] Strong gravitational interactions between galaxies and interactions between galaxies andintracluster gas are expected to destroy the disks of most dwarf spiral galaxies.[1][3] Nonetheless, dwarf galaxies with spiral-like structure have been identified within theVirgo Cluster andComa Cluster.[3][4][5][6]
