Figure 18-23: Giant Molecular Clouds in the Milky Way This perspective drawing shows the locations of giant molecular clouds in an inner part of our Galaxy as seen from a vantage point above the Sun. These clouds lie primarily along the Galaxy’s spiral arms, shown by red arcs. The distance from the Sun to the galactic center is about 8000 pc (26,000 ly).

(Adapted from T. M. Dame and colleagues)