SFU and the real Galaxy

[ericphillips]

Scientists have been mapping what our galaxy looks like. I was wondering what the SFU would be like if it was superimposed on the real galaxy. Through the magic of Photoshop, here are the maps.

First, is the galaxy with the circular map of the galaxy sectors superimposed. I noticed that they didn't really line up with the arms.



Next, I broke up the circular map and placed them over the nearest arms. It does make an interesting break between the Alpha and Omega sectors, as they are on different arms. Also, I assumed the galactic bar is more active than we expect, acting as radiation barriers between the alpha and the Sargasso, and the Sigma and Xorkaelian zones.



Finally, here is the F&E map laid into the Orion Spur (the minor arm where our solar system is located). I had to bend it a bit to make it fit. I placed Earth's hex over the place where our solar system actually is.



Just did this for fun. Hope you enjoy.

[mjwest]

That's pretty sweet! Thanks for posting that!

[Maxtype]

Beautiful! What a great way to envision the SFU galaxy. I think your second illustration makes the most sense as far as things might work.

Well done!

[Nerroth]

The one thing I wish was different on the galaxy map is the size of the shaded area set aside for Omega; the five Omega maps are each bigger in terms of hexes covered than that in Federation and Empire, but the shaded area denoted as representing said map is smaller.

(I'm not overly keen on the idea of saying the Omega map is not to the same 1-per-500-parsec scale as the F&E map; not least since it would make the use of the Omega maps in either that game, or in Prime Directive, somewhat awkward.)


Still, the layout looks neat, though the ISC looks a teeny bit on the small side...

[pinecone]

you're so creative Eric. I like it a lot!

[Kang]

.....though the ISC looks a teeny bit on the small side...

Serves them right Nice work Eric.

Btw, I find it fascinating that it's only recently that they have deduced that we live in a barred-spiral galaxy, within the last decade iirc.

[OGOPTIMUS]

Very cool.

[toltesi]

Wow...that's impressive. Surely there's a way for us to download full-size versions of that? Please advise!

[Dan Ibekwe]

That's really good Eric, well done.

I see the Hydrans, Klingons and Romulans pushing out towards the Galactic Rim...

I'd like to be able to download a full-size version, too.