We are not alone. The Earth's sun is just one of billions of stars in a galaxy that is just one of billions in the universe. There are innumerable other planets.
Our galaxy, the Milky Way, is partially visible with the naked eye for those who can stargaze far away from the interference of city lights. And for anyone with a camera, tripod and patience, a long exposure photograph guarantees an exciting glimpse of our home galaxy's many stars in a detailed mosaic of lights and colors whose dense concentrations often appear cloudy.
Whenever you can, try to look up at the stars and try to see your home galaxy from our far corner of it. Depending on the Earth's rotation, the season and your exact terrestrial location, it might take some time to appear across the rotating celestial sphere that defines our night sky. But it'll be there, stretching across the sky overhead, shining on every Earthling equally. It'll be a reminder that you're not alone, but safe at home in a populated galaxy called the Milky Way.
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| The Milky Way with the lights of Prescott, Arizona and August monsoon clouds. The view is south, with Sagittarius and Scorpius constellations visible. |
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| The Milky Way with the lights of Prescott, Arizona. The view is south, with Sagittarius and Scorpius constellations visible. |
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| View of the Milky Way as it meets the northern horizon in Prescott, Arizona. Cassiopeia constellation and the Andromeda galaxy are visible. Andromeda is the nearest major galaxy to our Milky Way. |
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| Closer detailed view of Sagittarius constellation in the Milky Way. |
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| The Milky Way through the pine trees of a Prescott, Arizona forest. |
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| A view of our home galaxy, the Milky Way. |
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