Question

What is the circumference of the Milky Way?

Answer 1

The perimeter of an ellipse is to an approximation given by:

`2* pi sqrt( (a^2 +b^2)/2)` wher `a` and `b` are half the minor and major axis. .. See below.

Explanation:

The Milky Way is considered to be an ellipitcal galaxy with an estimated minor axis of 100,000 light years and a major axis of 175,000 light years.

The perimeter of an ellipse is to an approximation given by:

`2* pi sqrt( (a^2 +b^2)/2)` wher `a` and `b` are half the minor and major axis.

PLug in the values and work it out.