Question: What is our solar systems galactic position?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the galactic position and spin of our solar system within the Milky Way galaxy. Participants explore the orientation of the solar system in relation to the galaxy's rotation and inquire about visual representations of this information.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks about the solar system's galactic position and its direction of rotation relative to the Milky Way.
  • Another participant references information from Wikipedia regarding the inclination of the Milky Way's plane to the ecliptic and provides specific coordinates for the North Galactic Pole.
  • A participant expresses gratitude for the information provided.
  • One participant notes the location of the solar system within the Orion Spur of the Milky Way.
  • Another participant describes the appearance of the Milky Way as a band across the sky, suggesting that this can help deduce the plane of the galaxy as viewed from Earth.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants provide various pieces of information and perspectives, but there is no consensus on the specifics of the solar system's rotation or its exact position within the galaxy.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of galactic position and rotation may not be explicitly stated, and there are unresolved aspects regarding the solar system's motion relative to the Milky Way.

Sam G
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What is our solar systems galactic position and/or spin?

Or, if our solar system is like a spinning disk - what direction is it turning relative to the disk like rotation of the Milky Way? Is the solar system rotating along a similar axis as the whole galaxy or, is it rolling like a wheel of a car in an end over end manner?

I'm having trouble finding this anywhere on the net. Pictures or video would be nice to find.

Thanks
 
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Hi Sam G! :smile:

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milky_Way#Appearance_from_Earth" …
The plane of the Milky Way is inclined by about 60° to the ecliptic (the plane of the Earth's orbit), with the North Galactic Pole situated at right ascension 12h 49m, declination +27.4° (B1950) near beta Comae Berenices …
:wink:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Ah ha! Thank you:-)
 
The unfashionable Western end of the spiral arm, somewhere in the Orion Spur.
 
If you have seen those pictures of the Milky way, you see that it forms a band that moves across the sky (close to vertically). So, from this, you can deduce the plane of the milky way, as viewed by Earth!
 

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