Encyclopedia.com > Dictionaries, Thesauruses, Pictures, and Press Releases > A Dictionary of Astronomy > January 1997

Great Rift

A Dictionary of Astronomy | 1997 | 444 words | Copyright

Great Rift A dark nebula that runs along the local spiral arm of our Galaxy, dividing the Milky Way. It starts in Cygnus, where it is also known as the Cygnus Rift or Northern Coalsack, and can be traced south through Aquila into Ophiuchus, where it broadens out. It consists of a large group of molecular clouds approximately 2200 l.y. away, containing almost 1 million solar masses of gas. The clouds of gas and dust extend for over 1000 l.y.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"Great Rift." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Great Rift." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-GreatRift.html

"Great Rift." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-GreatRift.html

Learn more about citation styles

Find thousands of answers for hundreds of subjects at Answers Encyclopedia .

All answers verified by trusted sources at Encyclopedia.com

Try Answers Encyclopedia now!

For students and teachers!

Encyclopedia.com provides students and teachers facts, information, and biographies from verified, citable sources, including:

Encyclopedia.com provides students and teachers facts, information, and biographies from verified, citable sources, including: