Where Can I Find a Map of Our Galaxy?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the search for a map of the Milky Way galaxy, specifically for use in a musical composition. Participants explore various resources and types of maps that depict significant features of the galaxy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses the need for a map of the galaxy that shows dominant features for a music piece, indicating a lack of response from NASA.
  • Another participant suggests a website that may provide useful resources for galaxy maps.
  • A participant compares having a detailed map of the galaxy to having a map of a beach showing each grain of sand, suggesting that while detailed maps are impractical, general shapes can be represented.
  • Links to a Milky Way panorama are shared as a visually appealing representation of the galaxy.
  • The original poster clarifies their need for a map to help visualize a journey through the galaxy, indicating uncertainty about which celestial bodies to include in their composition.
  • Additional links to various astronomy resources are provided by participants, contributing to the search for suitable maps.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants share resources and suggestions, but there is no consensus on a single definitive map or resource that meets the original poster's needs.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying opinions on the feasibility of detailed galaxy maps, with some emphasizing the limitations of such representations.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in astronomy, music composition related to space themes, or those seeking visual representations of the Milky Way galaxy may find this discussion beneficial.

The Bob
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Hey all,

I'm writing a piece of music for a competition in England and it requires a map of our galaxy. I've written off to NASA but I suspect I am not going to get any joy from them.

In short, does anyone know where I can get a map of our galaxy from? It needs to show the position of the more dominant features, if possible.

Cheers,

The Bob (2004 ©)

P.S. After this message I'm afraid I am away so I will not be able to check the PF until Sunday 8th July.
 
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Having a map of our galaxy is like having a map of a beach that shows each sand grain - clearly impossible. Having the general shape of our 'beach' is possible. One spiral galaxy looks mostly like any other - seach for Hubble Images for some impresive photos.

The best looking 'map' of our part of the galaxy is a Milky Way panorama which shows a crab's eye view of our part of the 'beach'. See http://home.arcor-online.de/axel.mellinger/mwpan_aitoff.html for such a photo.
 
Heya both,

Thanks for the links; some nice pictures. :biggrin:

Let me explain quickly why I need a 'map'. The idea of the composition is to travel around the milky way, starting in our solar system, working our way around and arriving back home in time for tea. I want a map so that I can get images of specific bodies or areas in our galaxy and ensure that I'm going around in a feasible direction (sad as that is). The problem is I don't know what I want to include in the piece and, so, how many bodies I need.

Maybe a map of the main features would be better.

Anyway, thanks again.

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
Nice pictures. Cheers all... keep them coming!

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
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