"The Enigmatic Oscillation of the Radcliffe Wave in Our Galaxy"

1 min read
Source: Inverse
"The Enigmatic Oscillation of the Radcliffe Wave in Our Galaxy"
Photo: Inverse
TL;DR

Astronomers have discovered that the Radcliffe Wave, a chain of dense gas clouds and newborn star clusters stretching 9,000 light years along the Orion Spur of the Milky Way, is oscillating up and down like a wave. Using data from the Gaia space telescope, researchers found that the entire structure is in motion, raising questions about its formation and the forces driving its movement. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about the stability of galactic structures and may provide insights into the dynamics of spiral arms in galaxies.

Share this article

Want the full story? Read the original reporting

Read on Inverse