2.4 The Milky Way Flashcard

Front

What is the Milky Way Galaxy made of?

Back

Millions of stars, gas, and dust.

Front

Why is the Milky Way so bright when viewed from Earth?

Back

Because it is our own galaxy.

Front

What is the size of the Milky Way Galaxy's disk compared to the solar system?

Back

Wider than the entire United States.

Front

How far is Earth from the center of the Milky Way Galaxy?

Back

26,000 light-years.

Front

What does the Milky Way Galaxy look like from inside?

Back

A bright white river of stars.

Front

What is a galaxy?

Back

A large system of stars, gas, and dust bound together by gravity.

Front

What is the shape of the Milky Way Galaxy?

Back

A spiral shape.

Front

How many stars are estimated to be in the Milky Way Galaxy?

Back

About 100 to 400 billion stars.

Front

What is the center of the Milky Way Galaxy called?

Back

The Galactic Center.

Front

What is a light-year?

Back

The distance that light travels in one year, about 5.88 trillion miles.