The Local-Spur is a relatively small, yet significant feature within the structure of the Milky Way Galaxy. This spur, or arm, is part of the galaxy's intricate spiral pattern, where stars, gas, and dust are not uniformly distributed but instead form into distinct spiral arms and spurs.
The Local-Spur, sometimes referred to as the Orion Spur or Orion-Cygnus Arm, is a minor arm that extends out from the main Sagittarius Arm of the Milky Way. It is located between the Sagittarius Arm and the Perseus Arm, with our Solar System positioned within this spur. This placement means that from our perspective on Earth, we see the galaxy at an angle, with the denser parts of the spiral arms appearing as the Milky Way band in the night sky.
The term "Orion Spur" was coined due to the constellation Orion being prominent in the direction of this arm when viewed from Earth. Historically, astronomers have referred to different parts of this structure with varying names, which has led to some confusion. However, it's now commonly accepted that the Local-Spur and Orion Spur are the same structure. The name "Local-Spur" emphasizes its proximity to our solar system, highlighting its significance in our local galactic neighborhood.