Article Posted on : - Jan 21, 2010

'Milky Way' galaxy

LONDON (PTI): A Harvard University scientist has created what he claims is a simplified, intergalactic map of the Milky Way, based on the London Underground tube map, which displays our galaxy in an accessible way.

Samuel Arbesman's 'Milky Way Transit Authority' is based on the London tube map and uses stars and nebula as the "stations" -- the simplified map clearly shows the "vast and complex interconnections" of our galaxy in an easy-to-know way, the 'Daily Mail' reported.

The post doctoral fellow at Harvard University said he tried to make the map as accurate as possible.

"This map is an attempt to approach our galaxy with a bit more familiarity than usual and get people thinking about long-term possibilities in outer space. People ask why I have not marked 'You Are Here' on the map -- but I think it's more humbling to realise that we aren't the centre of the universe.

"I did the map to make something that is extremely complex a bit more familiar to people -- every stop is about a thousand lights years away. Hopefully it can provide useful shorthand for our place in the Milky Way, the important sights and make inconceivable distances bit less daunting," he said.

In fact, the inspiration for the schematic map came from Carl Sagan's novel 'Contact', which alludes to a cosmic Grand Central Station.

The idea drew him to analyse the first modern subway map, London's Tube map designed by Harry Beck. "Cities ranging from Boston to Amsterdam have adopted similar layouts due to its 'spare and elegant' design," Arbesman said.

And, despite the maps shortcomings, he has claimed it has worth for its simplification of interstellar congestion.