Astronomers Rethink The Milky Way's Shape

Scientists thought our home galaxy was a four-armed spiral. Now they think it is a different shape.

The Physics arXiv Blog iconThe Physics arXiv Blog
By The Physics arXiv Blog
Apr 28, 2023 3:00 PMApr 28, 2023 3:02 PM
Night landscape with colorful Milky Way and yellow light at mountains. Starry sky with hills at summer. Beautiful Universe. Space background
(Credit:Denis Belitsky/Shutterstock)

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The Milky Way dominates the night sky. It appears as a hazy band of light that stretches from one horizon to the other. But this side-on view hides the galaxy’s structure and prevents astronomers deciphering the shape of our home galaxy.

Nevertheless, astronomers currently believe that the Milky Way is a spiral galaxy consisting of a central bulge or bar with four main spiral arms and several others branching away.

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