Cosmology Primer: Milky Way Galaxy

A view of our Milky Way galaxy (from our position inside the disk, of course), obtained by the DIRBE (Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment) instrument on NASA's COBE (Cosmic Background Explorer) satellite. This infrared image allows us to see through obscuring dust clouds, revealing a more accurate view than is possible using visible light. From Ned Wright's page of DIRBE images.

Click image for full resolution.