The Milky Way is an incredible galaxy. When we look up at the night sky, we see that glowing band of stars. But there’s more than meets the eye. By studying radio waves, scientists uncover a hidden landscape buzzing with charged particles and magnetic fields.
For years, astronomers have turned to radio telescopes to explore our galaxy. These tools help us understand how the Milky Way has developed and what it’s made of. A new study, published in the Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia, brings fresh insights into the structure of our galaxy’s plane.
To map the sky, researchers used the Murchison Widefield Array in Australia. This powerful telescope features 4,096 antennas spread over a vast area. From 2013 to 2015, it scanned the entire southern sky as part of the GaLactic and Extragalactic All-sky MWA (GLEAM) survey. This effort covered a wide range of radio frequencies.
GLEAM gave astronomers the first “radio colour” map, illuminating not only the Milky Way but also distant galaxies and star-forming regions. After upgrading in 2018, scientists improved their observations in a follow-up study known as GLEAM-X. While GLEAM offered a broad view, GLEAM-X captured stunning details. Balancing both perspectives required a new technique called image domain gridding.
The result? A massive mosaic covering 95% of the Milky Way visible from the southern hemisphere. This map spans frequencies from 72 to 231 MHz. Different radio “colors” help astronomers identify various star systems and cosmic phenomena. Areas of star formation shine in blue, while remnants from star explosions appear bright orange.
This new radio portrait of the Milky Way is the most detailed at these low frequencies. It opens doors to exciting research. Scientists can now study faint remnants of supernovae and explore cosmic rays and the dust that fills space. The upcoming SKA-Low telescope promises even more detail, but for now, this mosaic stands as a remarkable achievement.
As technology advances, our understanding of the universe continues to grow. A recent survey revealed that nearly 70% of people find space exploration fascinating. With new discoveries on the horizon, we’re all part of this incredible journey.
For more on this topic, check out NASA’s plans for a detailed 3D sky map, which aims to expand our cosmic knowledge even further.
