Massive ‘Space Tornadoes’ Found in Milky Way’s Core

Within the chaotic turmoil of the Milky Way galactic center, a novel type of turbulent structure has recently been discovered. Astronomers have detected long, slender filaments of gas surrounding the galactic supermassive black hole in the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ). While filaments have been observed in this region before, these latest findings represent a unique and unprecedented mechanism for gas dispersal in the CMZ – akin to a cosmic tornado.

Lead astronomer Kai Yang and his team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University were taken aback by these newly identified structures, noting their spatial offset from star-forming regions in ALMA images. These “slim filaments,” as dubbed by the research team, exhibit distinct properties, containing a variety of complex organic molecules and displaying unique velocity distributions dominated by turbulent pressure.

Described as violent streams of gas dissipating quickly, the slim filaments are envisioned as space tornadoes efficiently distributing materials into the surrounding environment. While the exact formation mechanism remains unclear, researchers speculate that shocks generated by collisions in the CMZ may play a crucial role in their genesis. These filaments, abundant throughout the CMZ, likely contribute significantly to the recycling rate of the region.

This groundbreaking research sheds light on the dynamic processes at play in the Galactic Center, offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between shocks, molecular clouds, and the interstellar medium.