A mysterious barrier prevents cosmic rays from entering the center of the Milky Way

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November 15, 2021 07:59 GMT

The central molecular region of our galaxy is an important source of cosmic rays, but at the same time it appears to be blocking the arrival of space particles from the outside, according to a study.

Experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered a previously unknown barrier around the center of our galaxy.

Researchers found that while intensity of cosmic rays It is somewhat regularized in the areas around the center of the Milky Way, In the central molecular region (CMZ), density fall down bigAnd reach new world.

“If there is no barrier, the cosmic ray sea should also exist in the central molecular region,” explained the study’s lead researcher, Xiaoyuan Huang, quoting the outlet. “However, the data shows that the opposite is true and That there must be some obstacles“he added.

The central molecular region is an important source of cosmic rays. However, the research indicates that at the same time it can act as a barrier that prevents the arrival of space particles from the outside.

Most cosmic rays are charged particles, which means that a fairly strong magnetic field can deflect them.

It is likely to be found in the CMZ magnetic fields stronger than the outside It can prevent cosmic rays from entering the central molecular regionHuang said. In addition, the process can be affected by the solar wind caused by Sagittarius A* supermassive black hole, which also helps prevent particles from entering the CMZ.”

The newly discovered phenomenon bears some similarities to the protons found in supernovae and black holes. Many scientists currently believe that the center of the Milky Way galaxy consists of a supermassive black hole, which may explain why this barrier is similar to the protons of dead stars.

The study It was published last week in the journal Nature Communications.