Largest Low-Frequency Radio Image of the Milky Way Revealed

Astronomers have announced the creation of the largest ever low-frequency radio image of the Milky Way, offering a comprehensive cosmic view that reveals supernova remnants, star nurseries, pulsars, and the intricate glow of gas and dust weaving through the core of our galaxy.

Technical Details of the Image

The image was constructed using data collected by the Murchison Widefield Array telescope in Western Australia. This image combines observations from two major surveys—known as GLEAM and GLEAM-X—to produce an image twice as sharp and ten times more sensitive and extensive than its predecessor released in 2019.

The team utilized approximately one million computing hours at the Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre in Australia to process and integrate data from the surveys into the final image, classifying nearly 100,000 radio sources.

Importance of the Image in Studying the Galaxy

The image revealed a wide range of radio wavelengths or “colors” of radio light across the southern galactic plane, providing an unprecedented view of the hidden structure of the Milky Way. By observing the galaxy in low-frequency radio light, astronomers can peer through dense clouds of dust and gas that obscure visible wavelengths, unveiling supernova remnants and ionized regions where new stars are born.

Impact on Pulsar Research

This extensive view of the Milky Way may shed new light on pulsars, which are rapidly rotating neutron stars emitting strong radio pulses with unpredictable behavior, posing a mystery to researchers.

Researchers indicate that this low-frequency image allows us to uncover large astronomical structures in our galaxy that are difficult to capture at higher frequencies, marking an exciting milestone in astronomy.

Future Applications of the Discoveries

This map lays the groundwork for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA-Low) telescope, which will be the world’s largest low-frequency radio array. Once completed in the next decade, it will explore the Milky Way and beyond with unprecedented sensitivity and detail.

Their findings were published on October 28 in the Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia.

Conclusion

This new image of the Milky Way represents a significant achievement in the field of astronomy, providing insightful views into the evolution and interaction of stars within the galaxy. It also paves the way for future discoveries using advanced telescopes, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of our cosmic world.