The Milky Way Galaxy

Abstract

On a clear, moonless night, away from city lights, one can see a broad streak of light spanning the heavens. During the northern winter months, it stretches from south to north, eastwards of the well-known constellation Orion. In the summer months, it stretches from the Southern Cross, through the tail of Scorpius, northwards to Cygnus. This faint streak of light is the Milky Way. The Greek word for it, Galaxias, is derived from “galaktos”, like milk. From this the word Galaxy has been derived. The Galaxy includes all the stars, planets, pulsars, nebulae and much more.