I think I heard that we are in one of the spiral "arms" that radiate from the centre of the galaxy. Is this true? If so how were they able to come to that conclusion?
2007-12-06 05:51:28 · 4 answers · asked by fg 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Mostly by mapping the neutral atomic hydrogen (HI) in the galactic plane using radio telescopes tuned to 21cm.
2007-12-06 05:55:14 · answer #1 · answered by Charlie149 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually the Sun's position in the Milky Way was established by Harlow Shapley back around 1920, by studying the distribution of globular clusters in the sky. This was confirmed by radio astronomers in the 1950s.
2007-12-06 13:27:33 · answer #2 · answered by GeoffG 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Answer 1 is correct. The result was a series of maps. http://www.ras.ucalgary.ca/CGPS/where/plan/
2007-12-06 05:59:58 · answer #3 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because Geebus said so.
When they rejected that theory they turned to the magic 8 ball.
2007-12-06 06:06:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋