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Astronomy/Angle of the solour system to the milky way disc.

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Expert: - 4/14/2009


Question
Hello Courtney, what is the orientation of the plane of our solar system relative to the plane (disc) of our galaxy (approximately)? And related to that, which hemisphere of the earth has a more direct view towards the centre of the galaxy? Thanks.

Answer
The galactic equator is tilted about 63 degrees relative to our equator. However, the answer to the second part of your question isn't determined by the tilt of the galactic equator, but by the direction to the center of the galaxy, which happens to be south of our equator, in the constellation of Sagittarius. As a result, that would be best viewed from southern or equatorial regions of the Earth, regardless of the tilt of the Milky Way.

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Courtney Seligman

Expertise

I can answer almost any question about astronomy and related sciences, such as physics and geology. I will not answer questions about astrology and similar pseudo-scientific rubbish.

Experience

I have been a professor of astronomy for over 40 years, and am working on an online text/encyclopedia of astronomy.

Publications
Astronomical Journal, Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (too long ago to be really relevant, but you could search for Courtney Seligman on Google Scholar)

Education/Credentials
I received a BA in astronomy and physics and a MA in astronomy, both from UCLA. I was working on my doctoral dissertation when I started teaching, and discovered that I preferred teaching to research.

Awards and Honors
(too long ago to be relevant, but Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi still keep trying to get me to become a paying member)

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