Milky Way

== Overview==
The Milky Way galaxy is a barred spiral galaxy that contains our Solar system. It is a vast assemblage of stars, dust, and gas. It got its name from a Greek tale about the milk-sprinkling goddess Hera, giving rise to the name Milky Way. Our galaxy has numerous names in other regions around the world. It is known as the "Silver River" in China and the "Straw Way" in Central Asia and the Middle East. It is believed that our home galaxy formed 13.61 billion years ago, making it almost as old as the universe. The distance between the galactic centre and our Solar system is 28.00 light years.
==Satellite galaxies==
The Milky Way has a total of 17 dwarf satellite galaxies orbiting it, with the most visible ones to the unaided eye with little to no light pollution being the Magellanic System with two gravitationally disturbed dwarf satellite galaxies called the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). The closest dwarf satellite galaxy is the Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal galaxy (Sag dSph), which in its current status is severely damaged and heading for a collision up to the present time after being collided multiple times; it is also the reason why the Milky Way's disc is warped.
== Astronomical History ==
The astronomical history of the Milky Way is as captivating as the galaxy itself. In ancient times, various cultures attributed mythological significance to the bright band in the night sky. For ancient Greeks, the Milky Way was linked to the mythology of Hera, while in Chinese mythology, it was seen as the "Silver River." Advancing through history, astronomers like Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler began using telescopes to study this diffuse band of light more closely, revealing its true stellar nature.
Over time, understanding the Milky Way has evolved with the development of more advanced astronomical observations, such as those conducted by Edwin Hubble. Hubble's work helped establish the idea that our galaxy is just one among billions in the universe. This historical progression adds layers of complexity to the Milky Way's narrative, making it a captivating subject of study throughout the centuries.
== Galactic Quadrants ==
The Milky Way is divided into four distinct galactic quadrants, each contributing to the overall tapestry of our galaxy. Understanding these quadrants involves delving into the distribution of stars, solar systems, and potentially unique characteristics within each quadrant.
Exploring the characteristics and features of these quadrants provides valuable insights into the spatial organization of the Milky Way. Astronomers categorize regions based on observational data, mapping out the galactic landscape and identifying key structures within each quadrant. This segmentation enhances our comprehension of the diverse environments and stellar populations that exist throughout the Milky Way.
Further detailing the properties of each quadrant, such as their relative positions and notable celestial objects, can offer Wiki Fandom readers a more comprehensive grasp of the galactic geography.
Category:Real objects
Category:Galaxies
Category:Objects