The estimated number of galaxies in the observable universe ranges widely due to different methods and definitions, but current scientific consensus places it between about 100 billion to 2 trillion galaxies. Earlier estimates based on Hubble telescope deep field images suggested around 100-200 billion galaxies, but newer mathematical models and 3D analyses indicate there could be as many as 2 trillion galaxies, including many faint and distant ones that are currently undetectable
. More recent research even suggests this number might be an underestimate, with some studies proposing there could be between 6 and 20 trillion galaxies in total, accounting for very small, faint galaxies missed by previous observations
. It is important to note these numbers refer only to the observable universe- the portion of the entire universe from which light has had time to reach us. The entire universe itself may be much larger or even infinite, implying potentially infinite galaxies beyond what we can observe
. In summary:
- Conservative estimates: 100 to 200 billion galaxies
- More recent estimates: up to 2 trillion galaxies
- Latest research: possibly 6 to 20 trillion galaxies
- These figures apply only to the observable universe; the total universe may contain infinitely more galaxies
