The Galactic Center Radio Arc
Explanation:
What causes this unusual structure near the center of our Galaxy?
The long parallel rays slanting across the top of the
above radio image are known collectively as the
Galactic Center Radio Arc and jut straight out from the
Galactic plane.
The
Radio Arc is connected to the
Galactic center
by strange curving filaments known as the
Arches.
The bright radio structure at the bottom right likely surrounds a
black hole at the
Galactic center and is known as
Sagittarius A*.
One
origin hypothesis holds that the
Radio Arc and the Arches have their geometry
because they contain hot
plasma flowing along lines of constant
magnetic field.
Images from the
Chandra X-ray Observatory
appear to show this
plasma colliding with a nearby cloud of cold gas.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
