a) Describe the structure of the Milky Way. (Be sure to describe both the top and side views.) Explain the location of all the main parts and give approximate dimensions. Explain the location of the Sun. What type of galaxy (according to the Hubble Classification scheme) is the Milky Way?
b) Explain how we know the location and distance to the center of the galaxy. Where do we believe the is the center of the galaxy? What do we believe is at the center of the galaxy?
c) How can we map out gas and dust arms in the galaxy?
2007-05-04 09:13:40 · 3 answers · asked by brainstewie 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
a. The top view of the galaxy looks like a whirlpool, with several 'arms' curving out from a central hub. The side view looks like a slim dish, about 1/12 as thick as it is long. The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy.
b. By observation, both optically and through radiotelescopes, we've determined the galaxy center is about 26,000 lightyears from Earth. There's strong evidence of a supermassive black hole at the center.
c. There is a lot of hydrogen and dust mixed among the stars of the galaxy, and it emits radiowaves in the 21-cm band. By mapping where the hydrogen is denser and not so dense, we can determine the structure of the galaxy.
2007-05-04 09:42:55 · answer #1 · answered by quantumclaustrophobe 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Do I get the credit for the course if I answer ??? Would you like the answers in Power Point format ??
2007-05-04 09:25:20 · answer #2 · answered by Gene 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
will you give me credit for this if I answer the questions for you?
2007-05-04 09:32:16 · answer #3 · answered by Charlie Bravo 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋