Classifying Stars
2 marks · NormalDescribe the overall structure of the Milky Way galaxy. Name the type of galaxy and state where the Sun is located within it.
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The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy. The Sun is located about two-thirds of the way out from the centre along one of the spiral arms.
Also accept: The Sun is not at the centre; it is on a spiral arm
Common mistakes: Describing the galaxy as 'circular' or saying the Sun is near the centre
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States that the Milky Way is a spiral galaxy.
B2 · 1 mark · States that the Sun is located about two-thirds of the way out from the centre (on a spiral arm).
Worked solution
The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy. The Sun is located about two-thirds of the way out from the centre along one of the spiral arms.