Why do astronomers intentionally point telescopes away from the galactic plane to view distant galaxies?
Answer
To avoid obscuration by interstellar dust and gas in the disk
When observing objects located outside the Milky Way, such as distant galaxies or quasars, astronomers prioritize viewing directions perpendicular to the galactic plane, often termed the galactic poles. This strategy is employed because the dense clouds of interstellar dust and gas concentrated within the disk effectively block or obscure the light originating from objects situated far behind them along the line of sight within the plane. Observing away from the plane grants a clear, unobscured view into the intergalactic medium.
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