Milky Way Explorer revised

Submitted by Kevin Jardine on 24 July, 2009 - 17:12

I've simplified the interface, fixed a few bugs, and most importantly, added several new datasets to the Milky Way Explorer. There is now context-sensitive help, so you can get information on each map you are looking at by clicking the Help button.

I've tested the interface in Internet Explorer 7, Firefox 3.5 and Safari for Windows.

You can go directly to the Milky Way Explorer here but please read the documentation first if you haven't used it before.

Kevin Jardine's blog
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impressive

Submitted by isha on 5 February, 2010 - 06:35.

That's quite an impressive Milky Way Explorer. I never thought someone would create something like this. I'm quite impressed by it. Now I have something I can write on my research paper and essay and it's about this Milky Way Explorer. Great job! It's really cool and I like it!

Star densities and distances between stars

Submitted by primevalsoup on 8 January, 2010 - 05:07.

Dear Sir,

I'm trying to write a sci fi novel.

I want to know how close stars are in general, and how this density of stars varies within and outside of spiral arms, how thick and long the spiral arms are, and similar data for the bulge/barrel thing at the centre. And how great the distance is between the spiral arms.

And if it's just two tightly woven spiral arms or they have split into more spiral arms than just the two.

And very importantly - how many stars have life compatible planets with them, and how frequently one might come across such stars in the galaxy etc.

I've come up with my almost entirely off the top of my head with info from Wikipedia mostly but I suspect I'm miles off so would be really grateful for any help in this.

Kind regards

Jack

Re: Star densities and distances between stars

Submitted by Kevin Jardine on 8 January, 2010 - 13:41.

Hi Jack,

Galaxy Map displays about 5000 of the most luminous stars known in the Milky Way. These are unlikely to be the ones that support life as they are so hot.

There is still no consensus among professional astronomers about how many major spiral arms the Milky Way has. Some say 2, some say 4. (This also depends upon what frequency you are looking at and the kind of material you are looking at.)

Sorry I can't help more.

Kevin

Thanks

Submitted by primevalsoup on 9 January, 2010 - 00:15.

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for the information. Guess I'll just make it up!