Astronomy/Milky Way Galaxy

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Expert: - 12/27/2004


Question
Our science teacher gave us an assignment over the holiday break. I not sure if one of the questions is a trick question.

Do we have any pictures looking down on the Milky Way galaxy?

I don't see why we shouldn't have any.

Answer
Hi Lisa.....
I don't know if I'd call it a "trick Question"...but with just
a little thought, it's quite an obvious question, and answer....

You said,  "I don't see why we shouldn't have any...."

I say,
How could we?  We are IN the Milky Way Galaxy and
it's 100,000 light-years in diameter, and about 100 light years
thick...... our maximum distance by our spacecraft outbound has been the Voyager spacecraft (launched in 1979) at about double Pluto's distance, or about 12 light hours,  (there are 8760 hours in a year) so our max distance outbound from Earth has been only 12/8760 =  0.00137 light year.  

So we have a very long way to go, just to get out of, and above, the Milky Way Galaxy.

So no, we don't have any pictures looking down (or up)
at our Milky Way Galaxy because we're stuck IN it for a very
long time.  It would be, and it would take, centuries
to get a spacecraft, at near the speed of light, which we are
no-where near as yet, above the plane of our Galaxy to
get a picture of our Galaxy from above, then it would take another century for the picture to be radio'ed to us on Earth.

You probably really knew that, but just wanted to hear it
directly from me, just to make sure.
Glad to help.
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA  

Astronomy

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Tom Whiting

Expertise

Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years.  Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions.  No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.

Experience

Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.

Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.

Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).

Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions;  Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).

Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.

Education/Credentials
BS  Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.

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