Structure of the Milkyway Spiral Redifined

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SUMMARY

Astronomers from the University of California at Berkeley, including Evan Levine, Leo Blitz, and Carl Heiles, have created the most detailed map of the Milky Way's structure, revealing that its spiral arms extend significantly further than previously thought. This analysis, based on the distribution of atomic hydrogen at radio wavelengths, indicates that the galaxy's spiral structure is asymmetrical and features more arms in certain regions. Additionally, the findings contradict earlier theoretical predictions, showing that the spiral arms continue beyond the expected distance for star presence.

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neutrino
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Astronomers have made the most detailed map ever of our galaxy's overall shape, showing that its spiral arms extend much further than expected. Evan Levine, Leo Blitz and Carl Heiles of the University of California at Berkeley analysed the distribution of atomic hydrogen in the Milky Way at radio wavelengths to reveal hitherto unseen features of our galactic backyard. The map shows that our galaxy's spiral structure is not symmetrical around its centre but contains more arms in some areas than others. Contrary to theoretical predictions, the arms also continue well beyond the distance at which stars should be found

http://physicsweb.org/articles/news/10/6/3/1
 
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Astronomy news on Phys.org
Isn't our galaxy more of a barred spiral galaxly then a spiral galaxly. I thought they found that out recentlly.
 

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