The Milky Way

Our Solar System is located in the Milky Way Galaxy. The Galaxy is said to have obtained its iconic name from the appearance of its core as observed from Earth. Under dark and “unpolluted” sky (and at the appropriate time of the night), the galactic core of the Milky Way has the appearance of a milky or dusty cloud formation that arcs across the sky. This dusty cloud will be the only patch of clouds in the night sky that will not appear to move.

The Milky Way core skirts the constellations Sagittarius, Scorpius and Ophiuchus. The cloudy appearance is attributed to a combination of a high concentration of star clusters and interstellar gases and dust. For more scientific and technical information about the Milky Way Galaxy visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galactic_Center.

Milky Way passing over Mt. Healthy

The formation of the Milky Way galactic core can be observed with the unaided eye. It is an easy target for astrophotographers and its unique and vibrant structure and appearance, as captured in photos, is loved by many. While many nebulae cannot be seen or distinguished with the unaided eye, the Milky Way core is one beauty you will see when you look up and experience an amazing universe!