Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery near our solar system, revealing a mysterious tunnel that could connect to other galactic structures and potentially lead to other star systems. The Local Hot Bubble (LHB), a unique low-density region surrounding our solar system, has been extensively mapped using the eROSITA X-ray telescope.
The LHB is estimated to be at least 1,000 light-years in diameter and features extreme temperatures of around a million degrees. However, its sparse atoms result in minimal effects on matter inside, making it a fascinating subject for study.
A team led by astrophysicist Michael Yeung used eROSITA to chart the LHB’s complex shape and identified an interstellar tunnel towards Centaurus. The tunnel could potentially connect the LHB to nearby superbubbles or other cosmic structures like the Gum Nebula.
This discovery sheds light on a 1974 theory suggesting that galaxies consist of interconnected hot bubbles and tunnels. While evidence for such a network has been scarce, this finding is crucial in understanding the galaxy’s dynamic history.
The study also reveals a temperature gradient within the LHB, with the northern region being hotter than the southern. This suggests that recent supernova events may have reheated parts of the bubble within the last few million years.
The discovery of the Centaurus tunnel has significant implications for our understanding of the Milky Way’s structure and evolution. Further analysis of eROSITA’s data is expected to reveal more secrets about this vast expanse of space.
Source: https://www.thebrighterside.news/space/interstellar-tunnel-discovered-near-our-solar-system-could-lead-to-other-star-systems