Milky Way Galaxy
Barred SpiralInteractive 3D MapMilky Way Galaxy
A barred spiral with a dense bulge, an elongated bar, and multiple arm segments shaped by gas, dust, and ongoing star formation.
Structure: Bulge + Bar + Disk
Center: Sagittarius A*
Our region: Orion Arm
Arms: Star-forming segments
The Milky Way is a rotating disk galaxy. Its central bulge contains a high density of older stars, while the spiral arms are rich in gas and dust—where many nebulae and young star clusters form.
Core & Bulge
Bright central region with older stellar populations and strong gravitational influence near the galactic center.
Central Bar
An elongated bar of stars that helps channel gas inward and shapes the inner spiral structure.
Disk & Dust Lanes
The thin disk holds most gas and dust. Dust absorbs light, creating the dark lanes visible in the inner galaxy.
Spiral Arms
Regions of higher density where gas compresses—triggering star formation. Bright, young stars trace these arms.
Use “Focus: Core” to inspect the inner galaxy, and “Focus: Solar System” to see our position within a spiral segment.
Solar System