How do we know what the milky way looks like? Unfortunately, determining the accurate geometry of our galaxy is one of the most challenging things to do. Since we are positioned within the galaxy, we do not have a particularly favorable viewpoint to observe the rest of the galaxy.

However, no doubt, we are able to capture amazing pictures of other galaxies. And as we are at a considerable distance from them, we can precisely observe the entire galaxy.

Astronomers have followed numerous lines of evidence to estimate the solar system's position in the Milky Way, but there is a great deal of explanation involved.

How do we know what the milky way looks like? The shape of the milky way galaxy

While we have never been able to take a truly galactic snapshot, several discoveries provide insight into the structure of our home galaxy.

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Surprisingly, despite the fact that there are around two trillion galaxies in the visible universe, only three types can be distinguished:

• Spiral- which has a predominantly flat disk with a bright central bulge and swirling arms.
• Elliptical- which are typically circular or oval in shape and have a symmetrical arrangement of stars
• Irregular- They lack any structure in space and resemble star blotches.

William Herschel was the first to identify the spiral shape of galaxies in the 1780s. Then in 1926, Edwin Hubble accurately defined the Milky Way's morphology when he categorized the various galaxy forms in the observable cosmos.

There are significant indications that the Milky Way is a spiral galaxy when viewed from our position on and around the Earth.

According to astronomers and astrophysicists, "When we measure the velocity of stars and gas in our galaxy, we observe an overall rotating motion that varies from random motions," which is another hallmark of a spiral galaxy.

In addition, the gas proportions, hues, and dust content are comparable to those of other spiral galaxies. Overall, the argument is fairly convincing.