3.6.4

The Milky Way

Test yourself

The Milky Way Galaxy

Our galaxy is called the ‘The Milky Way.’ Our solar system is inside The Milky Way.

Illustrative background for The Milky WayIllustrative background for The Milky Way ?? "content

The Milky Way

  • The Milky Way was formed 13.6 billion years ago.
  • The Milky Way is moving just like the Earth moves around the Sun.
  • There are over 100 billion stars in The Milky Way.
Illustrative background for ConstellationsIllustrative background for Constellations ?? "content

Constellations

  • Polaris, The North Star, does not move across the night sky, unlike other stars.
  • A constellation is a group of stars that form a pattern.
  • In the Northern Hemisphere, some of the most common constellations include:
    • The Big Dipper (Ursa Major)
    • The Little Dipper (Ursa Minor)
    • Orion the Hunter
    • Taurus
    • Cassiopeia
Illustrative background for Black holesIllustrative background for Black holes ?? "content

Black holes

  • One of the largest stars in The Milky Way is called Betelguese.
  • Betelgeuse is overdue to explode in a supernova.
  • After a star explodes as a supernova, it can form a black hole.
  • There is a black hole in the centre of the Milky Way.
Illustrative background for Alpha CentauriIllustrative background for Alpha Centauri ?? "content

Alpha Centauri

  • After the Sun, Alpha Centauri is our second nearest star.
  • Alpha Centauri is 4.4 light years away.
    • For contrast, the Sun is 8 light minutes away.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson