The Unlikely Inspiration Behind the Milky Way's Flat Shape: A Crépe or Tortilla?

As we gaze up at the night sky, it's easy to assume that the Milky Way galaxy is a perfect sphere. But surprisingly, this isn't entirely accurate. In fact, its proportions are more akin to a crépe or a tortilla – flat and wide, with a diameter-to-thickness ratio of one thousand to one.

This unique shape has led astronomers to wonder about the galaxy's history and how it came to be so... flaccid. It's believed that the Milky Way began as a sphere, but over time, its stars and gas were affected by gravity, causing it to flatten out. This is likely due to the presence of dark matter, which helps regulate the distribution of normal matter within the galaxy.

But what does this have to do with a group of friends sitting on a porch, sipping tea from fruit jars? Not much, at first glance. However, John Steinbeck's novel 'Tortilla Flat' uses the metaphor of a flat, crispy tortilla to describe the carefree, laid-back nature of its characters.

In the story, Danny and his friends are enjoying a lazy morning on their front porch, recounting their adventures from the previous night. They're not worried about morals or judging one another; they're simply content to be together, savoring each other's company as they watch the flaming flies (yes, that's really what Steinbeck calls them) hover around their heads.

As we reflect on the Milky Way's flat shape and its intriguing history, we can't help but think about the parallels between the galaxy's evolution and our own personal journeys. Just as the stars in our galaxy have been shaped by gravity and dark matter, we too are influenced by the forces that surround us – our relationships, our experiences, and our environments.

In the end, Steinbeck's 'Tortilla Flat' is a celebration of life's simple pleasures: friendship, adventure, and the beauty of the everyday. And as we gaze up at the night sky, we're reminded that even in the vast expanse of space, there's always something to be learned from the people and things around us – just like the carefree friends on Steinbeck's front porch, sipping tea and enjoying each other's company under the watchful eye of the Milky Way.

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