We see spiral galaxies at many different
angles; they all share the same general characteristics so we know that they
are all the same type of galaxy. Seen edge-on, spiral galaxies look just
like the view we have from inside our own Milky Way. Our Milky Way is
a spiral galaxy, so by looking at other spiral galaxies, we get an idea
of what our Milky Way looks like from the outside.
The following picture is of an Edge on
Spiral - note how the stars are arranged in a flat disk and that dust
and gas in the disk blocks out the star light, just like in our own
Milky Way...
Another edge-on Spiral...
Almost edge-on spiral, note that you can see both gas and dust clouds blocking out stars in the disk of the galaxy, as well as some spiral-shaped features on the top of the disk.
Next: Face-on
Spiral Galaxies
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The Milky Way