At certain times of the year, astronomy enthusiasts can enjoy one of the most impressive sights in the universe: visibility of the Milky Way. This vast, bright band, made up of billions of stars, usually becomes more visible during a period known as the “Milky Way season”, which becomes visible in the northern hemisphere from late winter and lasts for several months.
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During this period, you can see a whitish streak characteristic of the galaxy in the night sky. For many, it is one of the most anticipated moments of the year, as it allows us to more clearly appreciate the collective brilliance of the countless stars that are part of our galaxy.
According to USA TODAY, one of the great benefits of this phenomenon is that no special equipment is required to see it. Just look at the sky in a dark place, away from the light pollution of cities. Astrophotography enthusiasts also often take advantage of these nights to capture images of the deep sky.
In the Northern Hemisphere, including the United States, the best opportunities usually occur between March and September. (Reference photo: Pixabay)
The The Milky Way This is the galaxy where our solar system is located. It is a huge disk-shaped structure that spans over 100,000 light-years. Because of its shape, with arms curving around a very dense central region, astronomers classify it as a spiral galaxy.
According to NASA, Earth is located in one of these spiral arms, about halfway between the galactic center and the edges of the disk.
In addition, the Milky Way is part of a space region known as Local groupwhich includes more than 50 galaxies, including the giant Andromeda galaxy, which is considered the nearest large neighbor.
Although the phenomenon can begin to be noticed from the end of winter, the conditions of the sky and the phase of the Moon affect its visibility. (Reference image created by El Comercio MAG using artificial intelligence “Perplexity”)
As the specialized website Capture the Atlas reports, the season in which v the bright center of the galaxy Easier to observe and usually takes place between February and October; However, in the northern hemisphere, including the United States, the best time to see it clearly is usually between March and September.
NASA science communicator Preston Daiches explained in a blog post that what is actually being observed is the brightest part of our galaxy that can be seen from within.
“Seeing from the edge from our place on the disk of the galaxy”wrote, describing how the galactic center appears as a bright streak when the sky conditions are right.
To better appreciate it, it is recommended to observe it in dark places, away from the light pollution of cities. (Reference photo: Pixabay)
Tips for seeing the center of the Milky Way
NASA recommends observing the center of the Milky Way look for places with very dark skies and away from city lightsas light pollution can prevent the faint band of stars from being seen.
The galactic nucleus appears as a diffuse bright band crossing the night sky, usually in the south, and can be seen even without a telescope if the conditions are right.
This is also important wait until the sky is completely dark and let your eyes adjust to the darkness for about 20-30 minutes. NASA suggests avoiding bright lights or bright screens, as they affect night vision and make it difficult to see the details of the galaxy.
Another key tip is to watch when the Moon is in a new or thin crescent phase, because a bright Moon can obscure the Milky Way.
On clear, cloudless nights, far from cities, you can clearly see the band of billions of stars that form the center of our galaxy.
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