Everybody has heard about the Milky Way. That is the most-commonly known galaxy, but did you know that there is a place where stars are born ten times faster than inside the Milky Way? We are talking about the Cigar Galaxy, a place that is also known as M82. Now, a new study on this galaxy concluded that galactic winds might help us learn more about the evolution of galaxies.
That is a unique area from the Universe. So far, scientists were amazed by its extraordinary speed in creating new stars, but now they seem to have discovered how it’s possible. Data provided by SOFIA (the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) helped them study the Cigar Galaxy with greater attention and in detail.
Thanks to this information, researchers were able to understand the impact of materials that get into the intergalactic space. They noticed that celestial mater could affect the evolution of galaxies.
Galactic winds have a significant contribution when it comes to events within galaxies
According to data provided by SOFIA, galactic winds flow from the middle of the Cigar Galaxy. This current is corresponding with a magnetic field, so it transports a large quantity of gas and dust. Enrique Lopez-Rodriguez, a scientist from the Universities Space Research Association (USRA), who is currently a member in the SOFIA team, declared that material carried by the galactic wind is exactly what it takes for new stars and galaxies to be born.
The research team used the High-resolution Airborne Wideband Camera-Plus (also known as HAWC+), an instrument provided with far-infrared light for observing the celestial dust grains aligned along the magnetic field. That helped them get to the critical information and make a few steps forward.
Terry Jones, the lead researcher for this study and professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota, declared that the study of intergalactic magnetic fields, or galactic winds, would lead them towards finding out more information about the galaxies’ evolution throughout the years.
Tommy’s hobby has always been playing video games. He enjoys competing in video games tournaments and writing about his experience. It’s not a big surprise that he mostly covers the latest trends from the gaming industry.