Is the Milky Way Really a Spiral Galaxy?

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Astronomers classify the Milky Way as a spiral galaxy based on various observational techniques that allow them to analyze its structure despite being located within it. By examining vertical slices of the galaxy through dust and gas, they can discern its shape. The distribution of stars visible in the night sky supports this classification, as it appears as a narrow band rather than a chaotic arrangement. This organized structure indicates that the Milky Way cannot be classified as irregular or elliptical. Thus, the evidence strongly supports its designation as a spiral galaxy.
pixel01
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Hi all,

People all say that the Milky Way is a spiral galaxy. But we are inside it, how can astronomers know that it is spiral but not irregular or elliptical .

Thanks
 
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I think because you can use different techniques to view different distances through the dust and gas in the plane and so build up a picture through a series of verticle slices perpendicular to the plane, though I am not sure. Good question.
 
We know it certainly could not be irregular or elliptical based on the ditribution of stars visible to the naked eye in the swath of the Milky Way. The fact that the Milky Way visible to us is a narrow swath of stars and not an irregular jumble implies a spiral galaxy.
 

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