The galaxy that contains our solar system is the Milky Way galaxy. It is a barred spiral galaxy, meaning it has a central bar-shaped structure with spiral arms extending outward. The Milky Way is estimated to contain 100 to 400 billion stars, including our Sun, along with a vast amount of gas, dust, and dark matter. As part of the Local Group, which includes other galaxies like the Andromeda Galaxy, the Milky Way spans about 100,000 light-years in diameter. Its stunning structure and vastness have fascinated astronomers, and ongoing research continues to uncover the mysteries of our galaxy and the universe beyond.