Astronomers Unveil Detailed Map of Milky Way's Central Molecular Zone
A comprehensive survey using ALMA has produced the most detailed map to date of the cold gas structures in the Milky Way's core, offering new insights into star formation in extreme environments.
Astronomers have created the most detailed map to date of the cold gas structures in the Milky Way's Central Molecular Zone (CMZ), a dense region surrounding the galaxy's supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*. This achievement is the result of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) CMZ Exploration Survey (ACES), which utilized ALMA's capabilities to capture a high-resolution image spanning over 650 light-years. The CMZ is characterized by its dense, turbulent environment, distinct from other regions of the galaxy. The ACES survey has charted the distribution of dozens of different molecules, including sulphur monoxide, silicon monoxide, isocyanic acid, cyanoacetylene, and carbon monosulphide. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex chemistry and star formation processes occurring in this extreme environment. The detailed mapping of the CMZ offers a unique opportunity to study star formation under conditions that may resemble those in early galaxies, enhancing our understanding of galactic evolution.