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The solar system's place in the galaxy

Space physics • Solar system and orbits

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • The Milky Way is a barred spiral galaxy comprised of billions of stars, including our sun.
  • Its structure includes a central bulge surrounded by a flat disk, where the solar system is located.
  • The galaxy's spiral arms contain a mix of young and old stars, gas, and dust, creating various regions of stellar formation.

Flashcards

Test your knowledge with interactive flashcards

How many stars are approximately in the Milky Way?

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The Milky Way contains an estimated 100 to 400 billion stars.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

The solar system lies in the Orion Arm.

The Milky Way contains billions of stars.

The distance from the solar system to the galactic center is about 27,000 light-years.

The central bulge of the galaxy hosts older stars.

Spiral arms are active regions of star formation.

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