CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A telescope in Chile has shown us stunning details of star-forming gases at the center of our Milky Way galaxy. The European Southern Observatory released an image that zooms in on a vast expanse of cold cosmic gases stretching over 650 light-years, which is about 6 trillion miles.
These clouds of gas and dust surround a supermassive black hole right in the middle of our galaxy. This image is the largest ever captured by the ALMA antenna network, located in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth.
Studying this area, known as the Central Molecular Zone, helps astronomers learn how stars are born. Steve Longmore, who leads the study from Liverpool John Moores University, explains that understanding this process can shed light on how galaxies evolve over time.
Ashley Barnes from the European Southern Observatory describes the Central Molecular Zone as a place of extremes. It might be invisible to us normally, but this new image reveals its beauty in amazing detail.
Recent research indicates that star formation is crucial for galaxy development. This zone’s unique conditions may provide vital insights, especially as we learn more about the universe.
By exploring these cosmic wonders, scientists hope to answer questions about our galaxy’s past, present, and future.
For more on this groundbreaking research, visit the European Southern Observatory for the latest updates.
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General news, Astronomy, Stars, Chile, Science, Planets, Ashley Barnes, World news, World News
