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Because we are in one of its arms, and it has a fairly flat profile, so we see into it edge-on. If the Solar System was somewhere off the galaxy's central plane it would appear as a vast sheet of hazy light rather than a narrow band, but we would still probably be too close and too oblique to it to see its spiral form.

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Q: Why can you not see the spiral shape of the milky way galaxy?
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Related questions

What is the shape of the galaxy you live on?

The shape of the Milky Way (our galaxy) is the shape of a spiral.


The spiral shape of the milky way galaxy cannot be seen from earth because?

we are located within one of its spiral arms.


What is the meaning of the spiral galaxy?

It means the galaxy has the shape of a spiral. To see what this looks like, search Google Images (image.google.com) for examples.


You are looking through your telescope at the night sky and you see a pinwheel shaped object what do you think it is?

It is likely a spiral galaxy. Spiral galaxies are characterized by their pinwheel shape and are composed of a central bulge surrounded by spiral arms containing stars, gas, and dust. Examples of spiral galaxies include the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy.


Why astronomers see the spiral arms of the Andromeda galaxy more clearly than the spiral arms of the milky way galaxy?

Astronomers see the spiral arms of the Andromeda galaxy more clearly than those of the Milky Way because we are observing Andromeda from the outside, providing a better perspective of its entire structure. In contrast, we are inside the Milky Way galaxy, making it more challenging to discern its full spiral arm structure. Also, Andromeda is larger and more symmetrical than the Milky Way, enhancing the visibility of its spiral arms.


Why can astronomers see the spiral arm of the Andromeda galaxy more clearly than the spiral arms of the milky way galaxy?

Astronomers can see the spiral arms of the Andromeda galaxy more clearly than the Milky Way's spiral arms because Andromeda is a larger and more distant galaxy, allowing for a better perspective. Additionally, Andromeda's spiral arms are less obstructed by interstellar dust, making them easier to observe.


What is the milky way shaped like?

The milky way galaxy is a barred spiral shaped galaxy.


Why does the Milky Way galaxy NOT look like a spiral when viewed from Earth?

It does not look like a spiral because we are inside the disk that forms the spiral arms. To see the spiral, you have to be outside the galaxy, viewing the disk from above or below.


What is the milky way and where is it in the universe?

Earth is in the milky way the milky way is a galaxy, a spiral galaxy i think and its called the milky way because it looks like milk when you see it at night yo other people who will probably answer like a second after me -Alex


How can you see your own galaxy in the night sky?

the reason we can see the milky way in the night sky even though we are in it is because of its shape. i believe the milky way is a helical galaxy, which means that it has 'arms' that spiral outward, like a ninja star. from earth's position on one of these arms, we can see the arm beside the one we are on.


What galaxy does planet earth belongs to?

Planet Earth belongs to the Milky Way galaxy, which is a spiral galaxy containing billions of stars, including our sun. The Milky Way is vast, spanning about 100,000 light-years in diameter. Earth is located in one of the galaxy's spiral arms, known as the Orion Arm or Local Spur.


Are there any other galaxies in the universe shaped like the milky way?

We believe that the Milky Way is a barred spiral galaxy. Follow the link to see Hubble photos of other barred spiral galaxies.