The Evolving Universe

Smithsonian Institution

Galactic Center region

GC3 image

Credit: NASA/CXC/JPL-Caltech/UMass

Observers: Dan Wang (X-ray/Opt), Sue Stolovy (IR)

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  • Distance from Earth: 26,000 light years
  • Size: 240 light years
  • Telescope: Chandra,Hubble,Spitzer
  • Light: X-ray, Near Infrared and Infrared

Our Galaxy: The Milky Way

What Was Happening Then?

Light from the center of our galaxy takes 26,000 years to reach Earth.

When the light we observe now left the center of the Milky Way, our human ancestors were beginning to weave plant fibers to make cords and baskets.

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