Science
ALMA Captures Largest-Ever Image of Milky Way's Hidden Center
Astronomers using the ALMA telescope have produced the largest image ever taken of the Milky Way's central region, spanning 650 light-years. The mosaic reveals a complex network of cold gas filaments and dozens of molecules, from simple silicon compounds to complex organics like acetone and ethanol.
Key Takeaways
- Largest-ever ALMA mosaic spans 650 light-years across the Milky Way's Central Molecular Zone
- Reveals intricate network of cold gas filaments channeling material toward star-forming regions
- Detected dozens of molecules from silicon monoxide to complex organics like acetone and ethanol
- Five papers published in MNRAS, with data publicly released for global research community
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