Galactic anticenter
Encyclopedia
The galactic anticenter is a theoretical point in the sky that lies directly opposite the center
of the Milky Way
galaxy
. Because this point is relative, it will vary depending on the location of the observer; it is not an actual fixed point in space. Most of the time, this term refers to the anticenter from the point of view of an observer on Earth. Moreover, it is to be noted that points within the sky are not confined to a finite area; in other words, two objects in different galaxies can both be in the galactic anticenter as long as they are in the direction opposite of the direction of galactic center (much like how the stars in a constellation
may be completely unrelated despite appearing visually close to each other).
From the perspective of an observer on Earth, the galactic anticenter appears within the constellation Auriga
, and Alnath is the closest bright star to this point.
In terms of the galactic coordinate system
, the galactic center in Sagittarius
corresponds to a longitude of 0°, while the anticenter is located exactly at 180°. In the equatorial coordinate system
, the anticenter is found at roughly R.A. 05h 46m, Dec. +28° 56'.
Galactic Center
The Galactic Center is the rotational center of the Milky Way galaxy. It is located at a distance of 8.33±0.35 kpc from the Earth in the direction of the constellations Sagittarius, Ophiuchus, and Scorpius where the Milky Way appears brightest...
of the Milky Way
Milky Way
The Milky Way is the galaxy that contains the Solar System. This name derives from its appearance as a dim un-resolved "milky" glowing band arching across the night sky...
galaxy
Galaxy
A galaxy is a massive, gravitationally bound system that consists of stars and stellar remnants, an interstellar medium of gas and dust, and an important but poorly understood component tentatively dubbed dark matter. The word galaxy is derived from the Greek galaxias , literally "milky", a...
. Because this point is relative, it will vary depending on the location of the observer; it is not an actual fixed point in space. Most of the time, this term refers to the anticenter from the point of view of an observer on Earth. Moreover, it is to be noted that points within the sky are not confined to a finite area; in other words, two objects in different galaxies can both be in the galactic anticenter as long as they are in the direction opposite of the direction of galactic center (much like how the stars in a constellation
Constellation
In modern astronomy, a constellation is an internationally defined area of the celestial sphere. These areas are grouped around asterisms, patterns formed by prominent stars within apparent proximity to one another on Earth's night sky....
may be completely unrelated despite appearing visually close to each other).
From the perspective of an observer on Earth, the galactic anticenter appears within the constellation Auriga
Auriga (constellation)
Auriga is a constellation in the northern sky. Its name is Latin for 'charioteer' and its stars form a shape that has been associated with the pointed helmet of a charioteer. It was one of the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd century astronomer Ptolemy, and remains among the 88 modern...
, and Alnath is the closest bright star to this point.
In terms of the galactic coordinate system
Galactic coordinate system
The galactic coordinate system is a celestial coordinate system which is centered on the Sun and is aligned with the apparent center of the Milky Way galaxy. The "equator" is aligned to the galactic plane...
, the galactic center in Sagittarius
Sagittarius (constellation)
Sagittarius is a constellation of the zodiac, the one containing the galactic center. Its name is Latin for the archer, and its symbol is , a stylized arrow. Sagittarius is commonly represented as a centaur drawing a bow...
corresponds to a longitude of 0°, while the anticenter is located exactly at 180°. In the equatorial coordinate system
Equatorial coordinate system
The equatorial coordinate system is a widely-used method of mapping celestial objects. It functions by projecting the Earth's geographic poles and equator onto the celestial sphere. The projection of the Earth's equator onto the celestial sphere is called the celestial equator...
, the anticenter is found at roughly R.A. 05h 46m, Dec. +28° 56'.