(-15-) From: kdconod@delphi.com (Kevin D. Conod)
Subject: The Galaxy on its Side
Date: 17 Jan 1995 03:51:58 GMT
This is one of my favorite "neglected" items in astronomy, I've never
seen it any astronomy book. That the galactic equator is inclined to
the celestial equator by 62 degrees, and the ecliptic is inclined to
the celestial euator by 23.5 degrees is common knowlegde. But, here's
a better way to visualize it: (at this point it would help if you had
a star chart handy as you read this) The 'North Pole" of the Solar
System is at . . um, ha, I can't find the coordinates at the moment,
but it's in the constellation Draco, near the head. Now look at the
North Pole of the Galaxy (coordinates 12 hours, 51 min, and 27 degrees,
8 min North) it's in the constellation Coma Berenices. Now here's the
kicker: the direction in which the Solar System is travelling (this
point is known as the Solar Apex, coordinates 18.07 hrs, 30 deg) is in
the constellation Hercules, near the bright star Vega. Look how close
this is to the head of Draco (the North Pole of the Solar System)!!
This means that the Solar System is traveling through the Galaxy _on
its side_ towards Vega! Neat huh?
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- T o d d E. V a n H o o s e a r -
``'''vanhoose@lalaland.cl.msu.edu - vanhoose@msu.edu - vanhoose@lalaland.cl.msu.edu
(._.) Michigan State University - East Lansing, MI USA
(_) Computer Laboratory - Department of Communication
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"Give me ambiguity or give me something else."
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