ABSTRACT
The opalescent core of the Milky Way Galaxy often finds its way into prized landscape astrophotography images. This chapter explains how to confidently predict when, where, and how it will appear during any night of the year, or even if it will be visible at all! It examines the Milky Way's origin, shape, and structure, and explores how its geometry, coupled with that of the earth and solar system, affects what we see. The chapter explores the Milky Way's appearance from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, as well as from space. It reviews a few of its notable stars, constellations, and nebulae. The shape and appearance of the Milky Way is similar to that of an enormous, swirled lollipop. The glowing, central band of the Milky Way generally appears to be a pale white in color to the naked eye.
