Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The central bulge is a densely packed group of stars found in the center of spiral galaxies, including the Milky Way. It contains a mix of older stars and has a higher concentration of stars than the galaxy's disk.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
The central bulge is predominantly composed of older, low-metallicity stars.
It is typically spherical or slightly elongated in shape.
The stellar density in the central bulge is significantly higher than in other parts of the galaxy.
Many globular clusters are found within or near the central bulge.
The presence of a supermassive black hole at the center often influences the dynamics of the central bulge.
A massive black hole located at the center of most large galaxies, including within their central bulges.
Globular Cluster: A spherical collection of old stars tightly bound by gravity, often found in or around a galaxy's halo and sometimes near its central bulge.