The Plane of Our Solar System, The Ecliptic

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The orientation of the plane of our Solar System (the "Ecliptic") in relation to the Galactic Plane. The "Ecliptic" is defined as the plane of the Earth's rotation around the Sun. The other seven planets of our Solar System circulate around the Sun approximately within the same plane, so the Ecliptic can be considered the plane of our Solar System.

This 3D map is showing the position of the Earth as it rotates around the Sun over one year in relation to the Galactic Plane. The spheres are spaced 5 days apart. The positions of the Earth at the time of the Vernal (or Spring) Equinox (about March 20 or 21), the Summer Solstice (about June 21), the Autumnal (or Fall) Equinox, (about September 22), and the Winter Solstice (about December 21 or 22) are highlighted with red spheres. Distances are given in AU (Astronomical Units = the average distance of the Earth to the Sun).

Note:

• around the Summer Solstice, the Earth is the closest to the center of the galaxy during the year,
• around the Winter Solstice, the Earth is the farthest from the center of the galaxy,
• around the Vernal or Spring Equinox, the Earth is the farthest "north" in the galaxy,
• around the Autumnal or Fall Equinox, the Earth is the farthest "south" in the galaxy,
• from the Winter Solstice to Spring to the Summer Solstice, the Earth is moving towards the galactic center,
• from the Summer Solstice to Fall to the Winter Solstice, the Earth is moving away from the galactic center.

 

Bright Stars, Near Stars, Solar Systems

 

Bright Stars in the Constellations

 

The Constellations and the Galactic, Supergalactic Planes