Milky Way: 1.6 million year time-lapse revealed
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Despite being relatively close to Earth, in the grand scheme of things, the centre of the Milky Way is notoriously hard to study. This is because in between our planet and the centre of our galactic neighbourhood, a thick wall of gas and dust is situated, obscuring experts views.
However, researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, using NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory, have been able to analyse the centre using X-rays.
They produced images of an X-ray thread, called G0.17-0.41, which hints at a previously unknown mechanism in the star systems which could govern the way energy flows and even potentially the way in which the Milky Way evolves.
Astronomer Daniel Wang said: “The galaxy is like an ecosystem.
“We know the centres of galaxies are where the action is and play an enormous role in their evolution.”
Dr Wang’s findings show a pair of X-ray-emitting plumes that are emerging from near Sagittarius A* – the supermassive black hole which dominates the centre of the Milky Way.
He said: “This thread reveals a new phenomenon.
“This is evidence of an ongoing magnetic field reconnection event.”
According to the study published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, the thread probably represents “only the tip of the reconnection iceberg”.
Magnetic reconnections occur when two magnetic fields are forced together, releasing a huge blast of energy.
Dr Wang described it as a “violent process” which is also responsible for the likes of solar flares.
What is producing these magnetic reconnections at the heart of the Milky Way is still unclear, however.
The astronomer added: “What is the total amount of energy outflow at the centre of the galaxy?
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“How is it produced and transported? And how does it regulate the galactic ecosystem?”
NASA said: “In addition to the threads, the new panorama reveals other wonders in the Galactic Center.
“For example, Wang’s paper reports large plumes of hot gas, which extend for about 700 light years above and below the plane of the galaxy, seen here in greater detail than ever before.
“These plumes may represent galactic-scale outflows, analogous to the particles driven away from the Sun.
“The gas is likely heated by supernova explosions and many recent magnetic reconnections occurring near the centre of the galaxy.”
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