Milky Way

* Milky Way
* Political Map

The **Milky Way** is the galaxy that contains our Solar System. It is a barred spiral galaxy that has a diameter of about 100,000 light-years and contains an estimated 100–400 billion stars. The Milky Way is part of the Local Group of galaxies, which also includes the Andromeda Galaxy and several other smaller galaxies. The galaxy is home to the Solar System, which consists of the Sun and its orbiting planets (including Earth), as well as numerous asteroids, comets, and other objects. The stars in the Milky Way are organized into a flattened disk with four spiral arms that extend outward from the galactic center.

The galaxy is also home to humanity and other species, as well as interstellar gas and dust. Humans first began exploring interstellar space around 2368 CE; this was accomplished by developing faster-than-light (**FTL**) technology that allowed for travel between stellar systems. This breakthrough enabled humanity to begin establishing colonies on distant worlds and build networks connecting them together into an interplanetary civilization that spanned across millions of star systems throughout the Milky Way.

The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy with an estimated diameter of **26.8 ± 1.1 kiloparsecs** (**87,400 ± 3,590 light-years**). It has a thickness of only 1,000 light years in the spiral arms and a possible dark matter area with some visible stars that extends up to a diameter of **2 million light-years** (**613 kpc**). It is part of the Local Group of galaxies, which is in turn part of the Virgo Supercluster, a component of the Laniakea Supercluster.

It is estimated that the Milky Way consists of up to **400 billion stars** and a similar number of planets. It is situated around **27,000 light-years** away from the Galactic Center, on the inner edge of the Orion Arm. It is composed of a bulge and one or more bars that originate from this bulge, and is home to Sagittarius A\*, a supermassive black hole of **4.1 million solar masses**. The stars and gases that orbit the Galactic Center move at a speed of **220 kilometers per second**. This speed contradicts the laws of Keplerian dynamics and suggests that much of the mass of the Milky Way is invisible, or "dark matter". Its rotational period is estimated to be **212 million years** at the radius of the Sun.

## Appearance

The Milky Way is visible as an indistinct, white band stretching across the night sky, about 30° wide. It's composed of **stars**, **star clouds**, and **dark patches of interstellar dust** that block light from distant stars, known as the Great Rift and the Coalsack. Peoples of the southern hemisphere recognise these patches as **dark cloud constellations**. This area of sky that the Milky Way obscures is called the Zone of Avoidance. The Milky Way has a low surface brightness, so it's difficult to see from brightly lit urban or suburban areas. It's best viewed when the Moon is below the horizon and the limiting magnitude is **+5.1** or better, showing a great deal of detail at **+6.1**. Unfortunately, more than one-third of Earth's population can't see the Milky Way from their homes due to severe light pollution from major eperopolitan locations.

## Astronomical History

In Meteorologica, Aristotle (**384–322 BC**) suggested that Anaxagoras (**c. 500–428 BC**) and Democritus (**460–370 BC**) argued that the Milky Way was created from stars not visible from Earth because of the planet's shadow, while the other stars were illuminated by the Sun, but their glimmer was blocked by solar rays. Aristotle himself believed the Milky Way was part of Earth's atmosphere, which was a result of stars burning. He thought its great circle shape remained due to its outermost location in the atmosphere. He also proposed that its milky appearance was caused by Earth's atmosphere refracting the light.

## Astrography

   The Milky Way is located in the Local Group of galaxies, which consists of over 54 galaxies and is part of the Virgo Supercluster. It lies at a distance of about 28 million light-years from the center of this supercluster. The Milky Way's disk has a diameter between 100,000 and 180,000 light-years and its total mass is estimated to be between 800 billion and 1 trillion solar masses. Its spiral arms are divided into four main segments: Perseus Arm (containing our Solar System), Sagittarius Arm, Scutum–Centaurus Arm, and Norma Arm.

The Milky Way also contains two major stellar populations: Population I stars, which are younger, hotter, and more metal-rich, and Population II stars, which are older, cooler, and less metal-rich.

The Milky Way is home to over 200 billion stars and at least 100 billion planets. It contains four major star-forming regions: the Orion Arm, the Carina–Sagittarius Arm, the Perseus Arm, and the Scutum–Centaurus Arm. It also contains a number of globular clusters, which are dense concentrations of stars that orbit the galactic center. The Milky Way is surrounded by a halo of dark matter, which is believed to account for the majority of its mass.

The Milky Way is also home to a supermassive black hole at its center, known as Sagittarius A\*. This black hole is estimated to have a mass of 4 million solar masses and is believed to be the source of the intense radiation that is observed in the galactic center.

## Politics

The Milky Way is home to many different species, including humans. Historically, the Milky Way has been politically divided into several distinct regions; however, since the discovery of faster-than-light travel in 2368 CE, these regions have largely become intermingled and unified under a single political entity known as the **Galactic Confederation**. The Confederacy is an interstellar union governed by an **Executive Council**, composed of elected representatives from each member species. It serves as a mediator between its members, ensuring that all have access to resources and their basic rights are respected throughout galactic society.

### Galactic Confederation

The Galactic Confederation is the largest and oldest political body in the Milky Way, and it is composed of over 500 member species, and thousands of non-member species. The Confederation is responsible for maintaining peace and order in the galaxy, as well as regulating interstellar trade and commerce. It also serves to protect member species from external threats, such as hostile alien races or rogue artificial intelligences.

The Galactic Confederation is headed by a respected political figure known as the President of the Galactic Council. They are elected by a majority vote of the member species, and serve four terms. The President is assisted by an Executive Council composed of representatives from each member species, who are responsible for enacting laws and regulations that apply to all members. They also oversee diplomatic negotiations between species and maintain cooperative relationships with non-member civilizations on good terms.

### Sagittarian Empire

The Sagittarian Empire is another major political entity in the Milky Way, it rivals the Galactic Confederation in influence and power. The two powers have clashed multiple times over the centuries, but a state of uneasy peace has persisted. The Empire is politically and culturally unified by the ruling Sagittarians, an advanced humanoid species descended from humans.

The Empire is ruled by an imperial parliament, and consists of many different worlds and colonies, all of which are united under the banner of the Sagittarian Empire. They are known for their strength in combat and technological prowess, as well as their strict adherence to a code of honor. Despite these differences between them, both powers seldom collaborate in times of major crises to safeguard the Milky Way from external threats.

The ruling government of the Sagittarian Empire is a **monarchy**, currently overseen by Empress Valeria I. The current dynasty has been in power for the past 300 years and it is highly respected within its borders. Although the empire technically consists of many different species, they are all united under one banner: that of their beloved empress.

## Non-aligned states

The Milky Way is also home to numerous non-member species, and there are numerous planets and systems that exist outside of the Confederacy's jurisdiction. These areas are known as the Boundary, and can sometimes be very dangerous, depending on their location. It is not uncommon for powerful species to wage wars in these regions, or for criminal organizations to set up bases of operations, making them a popular destination for adventurers and explorers looking for thrill and profit.

### Siddonian Monarchy

The Siddonian Monarchy is a powerful interstellar government located in the Milky Way Galaxy. It is ruled over by the monarch, who is currently **Queen** Nathalia II. The monarchy was founded by an unknown race of aliens known as the Siddonians, and its members include various races from across the galaxy. It is a large and influential organization, with a powerful military and advanced technology. The Monarchy is known for its strict laws and regulations, as well as its highly protective attitude towards its citizens. Its territory includes hundreds of planets and star systems, making it one of the great powers in the Milky Way.

The Siddonian Monarchy is a highly advanced society with a strong emphasis on education and research. It is home to some of the most renowned universities and research institutions in the galaxy, attracting top scholars and scientists from across the galaxy. The monarchy is also home to a thriving culture, with a rich history and a diverse array of artistic and creative endeavors. The Siddonians are known for their love of music, dance, and the arts, and their cultural events and festivals are popular attractions for visitors from across the galaxy.

### Ceri League

The Ceri League is an interstellar alliance formed by three of the most technologically advanced species in the Milky Way: Cetans, Nocturnals and Ynari. Originally created for mutual defense against hostile aliens, it has since grown to become a political powerhouse due to its strong economic ties and collective military power. It is headed by a representative council known as the Chamber, made up of representatives from each member species.

The Ceri League works collaboratively with both the Galactic Confederation and Sagittarian Empire in times of crisis; however they remain independent when dealing with internal matters such as trade agreements or diplomatic negotiations between their own members. In recent years they have developed into one of the most powerful political entities in the galaxy due to their strong economy and technological advancements thanks to their cooperation between member species.

### Carinae Commonwealth

The Carinae Commonwealth is a newly-formed entity in the Milky Way, consisting of **nine different species**. The Commonwealth seeks to unify its member species under a single banner and promote interstellar peace throughout its region of space. Their current leader is High Chancellor Alonzo Jaxx, elected by a two-thirds majority of the **Councilors** from each member race in **2152 CE**.

The Commonwealth is known for its progressive social policies, such as equality among all citizens regardless of species or gender and a commitment to protecting basic civil rights. They also provide aid and assistance to less-developed cultures in their region, fostering cooperation between the various species. The Commonwealth works closely with both the Galactic Confederation and the Sagittarian Empire on matters relating to regional security, but maintains an independent stance when it comes to inter-species diplomacy.

### Rila Principality

The Rila Principality is a small but influential political entity based in the Centaurus Arm. It was founded by a mysterious species known as the Arilans, who possess advanced technology and powerful psychic abilities. The Principality serves as home to several smaller species who are united under their banner, including humans and Catarons. They have remained neutral on most galactic matters throughout history, though they have close ties with the Sagittarian Empire due to the close proximity of their borders.

The current ruler of the Principality is High Prince Orin I, elected from among the ruling council of elders upon his predecessor's retirement in 2590 CE. His rule has been marked by steady increases in living standards for all citizens within its borders; however he is often criticized for his strict adherence to ancient traditions that limit technological progress and social mobility within his realm. Regardless, it remains an important trading hub between cultures located near its borders and serves as an invaluable mediator when disputes arise between them or with other entities such as the Galactic Confederation or Sagittarian Empire.

### Republic of Dreoson

The Republic of Dreoson is an independent state located in the Perseus Arm of the Milky Way. It was founded shortly after the dissolution of a powerful, militaristic regime known as The Coalition in 2845 CE. Since then, it has grown to become one of the most prosperous and wealthiest states in the galaxy due to its strong economy and innovative technological advancements. Its current leader is President Talis Miresta, who has held office since 2902 CE.

The Republic of Dreoson maintains close ties with both The Galactic Confederation and Sagittarian Empire; however they remain fiercely independent when dealing with internal matters such as economic policies or foreign relations. They maintain a policy of openness towards other species; however any treaties must go through their Senate for approval before being enacted into law. As such, their government works hard to ensure that their people are protected from outside threats while still allowing peaceful cooperation between them and other members within galactic society.

## Intragalactic Policies

The Milky Way is home to numerous intergalactic policies that are in place to promote peace and order throughout the galaxy. These policies are formed by the Galactic Confederation and enforced by the Executive Council. They range from trade regulations and tariffs to diplomatic agreements and travel restrictions.

The most important of these policies is the Intragalactic Presidium, a body of representatives from each species that seeks to maintain peace and stability in the Milky Way. They are responsible for mediating disputes between species and negotiating trade agreements. They also take on an active role in keeping the economy of the Milky Way healthy and prosperous. Additionally, they serve as a neutral buffer between the Galactic Confederation and the Sagittarian Empire, helping to prevent hostilities between the two major powers.

In recent years, the Galactic Presidium has also taken steps to protect the vast number of non-aligned species and worlds in the Milky Way. They work to ensure that their basic rights and freedoms are respected by all members, and that they are not taken advantage of by more powerful nations.