The picture of our Milky Way galaxy taken from the outside is not a direct photograph in the conventional sense. Since we are located within the Milky Way, it is not possible to capture an external view of the entire galaxy from our vantage point. Instead, the images we have of the Milky Way as a whole are artist renderings or computer-generated models based on scientific data and observations.
To construct these visual representations, scientists use various techniques and data sources. One method involves gathering data from different parts of the Milky Way using telescopes and instruments that detect different wavelengths of light, such as radio waves, infrared, and X-rays. By observing and mapping these different wavelengths, astronomers can study the distribution of stars, gas, dust, and other components within the galaxy.
Additionally, researchers use computer simulations and models based on known properties and behaviors of galaxies to create realistic visual representations of the Milky Way. These models take into account factors like the rotation of the galaxy, the distribution of stars and interstellar matter, and the overall structure and shape of spiral galaxies.
It's important to note that the precise appearance and details of the Milky Way's structure are still areas of ongoing research and exploration. As technology and our understanding of the galaxy advance, our visualizations and models of the Milky Way continue to improve and become more accurate.