Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
When looking through a telescope, there are several things you can look for to determine if you are looking at another galaxy:
1. Shape: Galaxies come in different shapes such as spiral, elliptical, and irregular. Look for spiral arms, a round or elliptical shape, or a more chaotic and irregular structure.
2. Size: Galaxies can vary in size, from small dwarf galaxies to large ones. Compare the size of the object you see through the telescope to the known sizes of galaxies to get an idea of its scale.
3. Brightness: Galaxies can range from dim to very bright. If the object you see appears faint or diffuse, it could be a distant galaxy. Brightness alone, however, is not a definitive indicator, as stars and other celestial objects can also be bright.
4. Surroundings: Examine the surroundings of the object you are observing. If you see a group of stars clustered around it, it could be a galaxy. This is because galaxies often contain large numbers of stars that form clusters.
5. Color: While color alone is not sufficient to determine if you are looking at a galaxy, different galaxies can have distinct color characteristics. For example, some galaxies may appear bluish due to the presence of young, hot stars, while others may have a reddish hue due to older stars.
Remember, it is always good to consult an expert or refer to astronomical resources to confirm your observations.