Align Earth, Sun & Milky Way: Date Revealed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the alignment of the Earth, Sun, and the center of the Milky Way galaxy, specifically exploring the timing and conditions under which this alignment might occur. Participants examine the geometric relationships involved and the implications of the galactic structure on such alignments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the specific date this year when the Earth, Sun, and the center of the galaxy will align.
  • Another participant asserts that such an alignment will never occur due to the inclination of the ecliptic plane relative to the galactic plane.
  • It is noted that the center of the galaxy is located in the constellation Sagittarius, and participants discuss how to determine when it is on the meridian.
  • A participant questions the significance of the 63-degree inclination and seeks clarification on the exact location of the galactic center within Sagittarius.
  • One participant mentions that according to a planetarium program, the galactic center is closest to the Sun around December 20, with a separation of about 6 degrees.
  • Another participant expresses gratitude for the information provided and requests a link to download planetarium software.
  • There is a discussion about the availability of planetarium software and alternatives for finding such tools online.
  • A participant questions how the alignment of the Sun with the galactic center can be assumed to also mean the Earth is aligned.
  • Another participant responds by suggesting a top-down visualization to understand the alignment from Earth's perspective.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the possibility of alignment, with some asserting it will never happen due to geometric constraints, while others discuss the proximity of the galactic center and its implications. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact conditions under which an alignment could be perceived.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the inclination of the ecliptic and the position of the galactic center, but there are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of alignment and the significance of angular separations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring astronomical alignments, celestial mechanics, and the use of planetarium software for visualizing cosmic structures.

osirisisis
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what day this year will the Earth sun and center of our gallaxy be lined up?
 
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Never, the plane of the ecliptic is inclined about 63 degrees to the plane of the galaxy and the center of the galaxy is not at one of the nodes, therefore they will never be in a straight line.
 
The center of our galaxy is in the constellation Sagattarius. So if you want to know when it comes closest, just get a star wheel, or use other means to determine what time of year Sagattarius is on the meridian at midnight or noon.
 
Well Giving that the top and bottom replys are true and that the 63 degrees difference doesn't count for much due to the size difference between the Earth and sun vs the sun and the center then where in sagattarius is the center? Would that be if the center of the gallaxy is in the center of sagattarius and why the meridian. I'm not a student and I don't have a star wheel. Will some one bring the question up to one of there teachers and find the andswer out for me. I will be very thankful for that help
 
There are a number of shareware planetarium programs out there, but according to Starry Night (it also has a shareware version), the galactic center makes its closest pass to the sun on about December 20 -- at about 6 degrees of separation.
 
thx bro for the help
 
can U give me a link where I can down load that star share wear program?
 
Hmmm - looks like the trial of Starry Night isn't offered anymore. But I found this via google: http://www.maa.mhn.de/Tools/tools.html Some are pretty old, though. You could just google "planetarium software download" or "planetarium software shareware"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
How do we know that when the sun makes its closes pass that the Earth will also be lined up
 
  • #10
Because we're looking at the sun from earth.

Draw yourself a top-down picture...
 

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