On: The Most Detailed Image of Our Galaxy Ever Taken

[Tichy]

How are these images created? We can't have space probes that have covered a significant distance from earth yet (or can we??), so I suppose essentially they must all be "as seen from earth"?

[rriepe → Tichy]

Yep, as seen from here. The denser parts are looking towards the center of the galaxy.

[turnersauce → Tichy]

Yes. Since we are near the "edge" of the Milky Way, we have a great view of the centre!

[djahng → Tichy]

i think the images were taken from spitzer. so yes, it is as seen from earth.