> Also, in diagrams showing our galaxy, I would greatly appreciate a "you are here" marker which points out the location of our solar system...
What would that mean?
Try locating France on this map: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:T_and_O_map_Guntherus_Zin...
Ok, I would be happy with an approximate location too. On that map, I would place France in Europa right beside the mediterraneum, pretty much on the Occidens side (although not at the very edge).