• Question: Why is the milkyway called the milkyway? What would you call it if you had the chance?

    Asked by sophieekettle to Joel, Kristian, Tim, Venus, Zachary on 20 Nov 2013.
    • Photo: Tim Hollowood

      Tim Hollowood answered on 20 Nov 2013:

      The name Milky Way describes actually what you if you are lucky to have a very clear night and no light contamination. You see what looks like a smear of milk across the sky which are the billions and billions of stars that make up the Milky Way. I think the ancient Greeks came up with the name. I wouldn’t want to change it even if I had the chance, I think it’s rather poetic and beautiful.

    • Photo: Kristian Harder

      Kristian Harder answered on 20 Nov 2013:

      Ok, I have nothing to add with how it got its name in the first place, but I can offer a few alternatives. How about

      the mighty twirl?
      the heavenly roundabout?
      starburst?
      the big stack’o’stars?
      the frantic frisbee?
      gigasun getaway?
      the sparkling spaghetti monster?
      the star splatter?
      gargantu-gyro?
      the grand carousel?

    • Photo: Zachary Williamson

      Zachary Williamson answered on 21 Nov 2013:

      Hi sophiee.

      Do you live in London or a large city by any chance? If you ever get the opportunity, travel out into the country far, far away from any cities and look at the night sky. The milky way, when it’s properly visible and not obstructed by light polution, is unmatched in its beauty. It is truly a sight to behold. It also looks like a streak of milk, hence its name :P.

      If I had the chance to rename it? Well, ‘Zac’s Galaxy’ has quite a nice ring to it, yes? I’m not a megalomaniac, promise!

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