galactic year
A "galactic year" refers to the time it takes for our Solar System to complete one orbit around the center of the Milky Way Galaxy.
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Definition
C1Astronomy
(technical, academic)The duration for the Solar System to orbit once around the center of the Milky Way Galaxy, approximately 225-250 million Earth years.
Example
- Scientists estimate that the Solar System has completed about 20 galactic years since its formation.
- A galactic year provides a useful time scale for understanding the evolution of the Milky Way.
C2Astronomy
(technical, academic)The time taken for a celestial body to complete a quasi-orbit within a galaxy.
Example
- The concept of a galactic year can be extended to other galaxies, where different celestial bodies have their own unique orbital periods.
- Understanding the galactic year of a star can provide insights into its position and movement within its galaxy.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "galactic year":