A new, more accurate impression of the Milky Way Galaxy seen from an oblique vantage point, commissioned to appear in Sky & Telescope. Astronomers think that the Galaxy has a central bar, seen in this image. The arms, as we know them, are in their correct places. Note also the so-called "molecular ring" of dust and young stars that surrounds the bar and nucleus. Roll over the image to see a labelled version. See also New Milky Way Version 2.
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