Exploring the Width of the Milky Way: A Forgotten Dimension

In summary, the width of the Milky Way is not often discussed, but it can be found in sources such as Wikipedia pages for the thin and thick disk structures. These structures are not uniform and become less dense as you move further away from the plane of the galaxy. There is also the galactic halo, which surrounds the entire galaxy, and is made up of a diffuse population of stars. The thickness of a galaxy can be subjective and dependent on how it is defined.
  • #1
Suyash Singh
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I was wondering that we always see the diameter of milky way but no one talks about its width. Even on google it is not there. This means that if I go up instead of forward then I would be out of milky in an instant?
 
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  • #2
It is there, if you know where to look:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thin_disk
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thick_disk
It's important to note that these are not uniform structures. That is, they get more diffuse the higher above/below the plane bisecting the Milky Way you go, with no sharp edges telling you where they end. The 'scale height' given in those articles is the height above the plane at which the density of stars goes down by the (somewhat arbitrarily chosen) factor of roughly 3.
Then there's the galactic halo, surrounding the entire Galaxy, which is highly diffuse in terms of stellar population. The point being, the 'thickness' of a galaxy (much like its radius) can depend on what precisely do you mean by it. I.e., it's a convention.
 
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What is the Milky Way?

The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy that contains our solar system. It is estimated to be about 100,000 light years in diameter and is home to billions of stars, including our sun.

Why is the width of the Milky Way important to study?

Studying the width of the Milky Way can give us a better understanding of the structure and evolution of our galaxy. It can also provide insight into the distribution and movement of stars and gas within the galaxy.

How do scientists measure the width of the Milky Way?

Scientists use various methods to measure the width of the Milky Way, including studying the distribution of stars and gas, analyzing the rotation of the galaxy, and observing the effects of gravitational lensing.

What have scientists discovered about the width of the Milky Way so far?

Through various studies and observations, scientists have estimated that the width of the Milky Way is approximately 100,000 light years. They have also discovered that the galaxy is not a perfect circular shape, but rather a warped and twisted spiral.

What are some potential future implications of studying the width of the Milky Way?

Studying the width of the Milky Way can help us better understand the formation and evolution of not only our own galaxy, but also other galaxies in the universe. It can also provide insights into the distribution of dark matter and the overall structure of the universe.

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