The Milky Way Galaxy is a barred spiral galaxy located in the Local Group of galaxies, which includes over 50 galaxies. It is estimated to be around 120,000 light-years in diameter and contains between 100 and 400 billion stars, with estimates currently leaning toward the higher end of that range. The galaxy is named after the milky appearance of the band of stars visible in the night sky, which is caused by the light from its stars and gas clouds.