The Spiral Structure of the Milky Way Galaxy from Radio Observations

Jawaher Alsobaie

Published 2019-02-22Version 1

The study of the Milky Way structure is vital importance for a better understanding of the universe. This study digs deeper into the structure of Milky Way Galaxys with emphasis to its spiral arms. Multiple data sources were sought including the NASA websites. As found out, the Milky Way is a disk shaped galaxy composed of four spiral arms, two large and the rest are smaller. The spiral arms are regions of actively forming new stars dominated by young stars, dust and gas. Dust and gas are primary materials for the formation of new stars. This dust is also responsible for the reddish appearance of the stars since it absorbs more blue light than red. Besides the disk, there are numerous older stars, which appear white in color according to the picture by COBE. Additionally, the Milky Way contains a dark halo, extensive but void of luminous stars. The extensive halo was discovered due to the gravitational pull it exerts on existing visible matter.