Question

Harlow Shapley concluded that the Sun was not in the center of the Milky Way Galaxy by A) looking at the shape of the "milky band" across the sky. B) mapping the distribution of stars in the galaxy. C) mapping the distribution of globular clusters in the galaxy. D) mapping the distribution of gas clouds in the spiral arms. E) looking at other nearby spiral galaxies.

Answer 1

Harlow Shapley determined that the Sun was not at the center of the Milky Way by mapping the distribution of globular clusters, which had their central point in the direction of Sagittarius, not at the Sun's location. (Option C)

Step-by-step explanation:

Harlow Shapley concluded that the Sun was not in the center of the Milky Way Galaxy by C) mapping the distribution of globular clusters in the galaxy. In 1917, by studying the RR Lyrae variable stars within these clusters and understanding their intrinsic luminosity, Shapley could determine their distance from Earth.

He found that the clusters are distributed in a spherical volume, with the center of this sphere and hence the center of the galaxy in the direction of the constellation Sagittarius, far from the location of the Sun. Shapley's work was essential in reshaping our understanding of the Milky Way's structure and our place within it.