Smith Cloud and Milky Way (IMAGE) National Radio Astronomy Observatory Caption This is an artist's impression of the Smith Cloud's plunge into the disk of the Milky Way, which it's destined to hit in approximately 30 million years. The cloud, seen in orange and yellow at bottom of the image, is actual data from the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT). Credit Bill Saxton (NRAO/AUI/NSF) Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.