Description of Milky Way's Size== 
 In the lead paragraph: 

 "if the galaxy were reduced to 130 km (80 mi) in diameter, the solar system would be a mere 2 mm (0.08 inches) in width" 

 Surely these numbers are somewhat arbitrary and don't serve their purpose of helping people to visualise the size of the Milky Way. This sentence should refer to things that people can relate to (e.g. something along the lines of "if the MW were the size of a football stadium, the solar system would be the size of a pea") or be deleted. 

 

 :: I understand what you are saying, but I must disagree, for these reasons: The numbers aren't arbitrary, they are precisely those every-day distances people can relate to. Second, perhaps more philosophically, I would like encyclopedias and popular science infolets aimed at adults to retain a certain precision. I find myself wondering when I'm once again bombarded with the newly adopted popular units of mass in terms of African Elephants, Jumbojets, or cars, or length units of Football stadiums, Jumbojets or what have you. English isn't my native language, I am not familiar with the Anglo-Saxon culture, I do not know what a pea is, let alone how big it is, or how big one of those football stadiums is you are referring to. But I do know how far a km is, and how small a mm is, and I can very well visualize things on those distances that I am personally familiar with. 

 :: In short, I am all for keeping objectivity, accuracy, and internationalization, so that everyone no matter his background can understand. Regards,   

 ==