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The Milky Way Galaxy (annotated)
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The Milky Way Galaxy (annotated)
Using infrared images from the Spitzer Space Telescope, scientists have discovered that the Milky Ways elegant spiral structure is dominated by just two arms wrapping off the ends of a central bar of stars. Previously, our galaxy was thought to possess four major arms. This annotated artists concept illustrates the new view of the Milky Way. The galaxys two major arms (Scutum-Centaurus and Perseus) can be seen attached to the ends of a thick central bar, while the two now-demoted minor arms (Norma and Sagittarius) are less distinct and located between the major arms. The major arms consist of the highest densities of both young and old stars; the minor arms are primarily filled with gas and pockets of star-forming activity. The artists concept also includes a new spiral arm, called the Far-3 kiloparsec arm, discovered via a radio-telescope survey of gas in the Milky Way. Our sun lies near a small, partial arm called the Orion Arm, or Orion Spur, located between the Sagittarius and Perseus arms.This arm is shorter than the two major arms and lies along the bar of the galaxy
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Media ID 13066069
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Barred Spiral Galaxy Center Cygnus Galaxy Milky Way Outer Outer Space Spiral Arms Structure Swirl Bars Norma View From Space
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This print of the Milky Way Galaxy, annotated with new discoveries from the Spitzer Space Telescope, unveils a revised understanding of our celestial home. Previous assumptions about four major arms have been debunked as scientists now reveal that only two dominant arms gracefully wrap around a central bar of stars. The Scutum-Centaurus and Perseus arms take center stage in this artist's concept, emanating elegance and grandeur. These major arms boast the highest concentrations of both young and old stars, showcasing the galaxy's rich history and ongoing stellar activity. In contrast, the once-prominent minor arms—Norma and Sagittarius—have been demoted to secondary roles. They appear less distinct between the major arms but still harbor gas clouds and pockets where new stars are born. A remarkable addition to this revised view is the Far-3 kiloparsec arm, discovered through an extensive radio-telescope survey focused on tracing gas within our Milky Way. This newfound spiral arm adds another layer of complexity to our galactic tapestry. It is fascinating to note that our sun resides near a smaller partial arm known as the Orion Arm or Orion Spur. Nestled between Sagittarius and Perseus, this shorter arm aligns itself along the galaxy's central bar. As we gaze upon this awe-inspiring image captured by Stocktrek Images' lens, we are reminded of humanity's insatiable curiosity for unraveling cosmic mysteries while humbly acknowledging how much more there is yet to discover in our vast universe.
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