Astronomers using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) have made a groundbreaking discovery of strange filaments near the supermassive black hole at the heart of our galaxy. These filaments, which do not correspond to known star-forming regions, were revealed through detailed imaging of the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ). The filaments react to shock waves and play a crucial role in the cycle of gas emissions and material circulation. Researchers liken them to 'space tornados' due to their nature of quickly dissipating while transporting gas effectively throughout their environment.
"When we checked the ALMA images showing the outflows, we noticed these long and narrow filaments spatially offset from any star-forming regions," said Kai Yang.
"Unlike any objects we know, these filaments really surprised us," he added. "Since then, we have been pondering what they are."
"Our research contributes to the fascinating Galactic Center landscape by uncovering these slim filaments as an important part of material circulation," said Xing Lu.
"We can envision these as space tornados: they are violent streams of gas, they dissipate shortly, and they distribute materials into the environment efficiently."
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