Astronomers at the University of California San Diego have made a breakthrough in solving the mystery of strange giant circles of radio waves that were first spotted in space in 2019. Dubbed odd radio circles (ORCs), these formations have long puzzled scientists, but new research suggests they are formed by outflowing winds caused by explosive events such as supernovas.
When massive stars die and explode near each other, the resulting force pushes surrounding gas outward, creating outflowing winds that can reach speeds of over 1,200 miles per second. This force shapes shells that make up the radio wave circles, which can be more than 50,000 times the diameter of the Milky Way.
To understand this phenomenon, the team of astronomers recreated outflowing galactic winds in a simulation. They discovered that when the wind ceases, a forward-moving shock sends high-temperature gas out of the galaxy, creating a ring of radio waves. This is followed by a reverse shock that sends cooler gas back into the galaxy.
The discovery of ORCs was made possible through the use of the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), which captures images of these mysterious formations. The telescope allows astronomers to study these circles across hundreds of kiloparsecs, the equivalent of 3,260 light-years, providing valuable insights into the outflowing galactic winds.
The origin of ORCs has been the subject of various theories, including planetary nebulae and black hole mergers. However, these explanations were ruled out in favor of the possibility that starburst galaxies are responsible for their formation.
Further research into ORCs could help determine how common outflowing galactic winds are and shed light on their life cycle. It may also provide valuable insights into the evolution of galaxies.
This recent breakthrough by astronomers at the University of California San Diego not only unravels the mystery surrounding these giant circles of radio waves but also opens up new avenues of exploration in understanding the complexities of the universe. With the help of advanced telescopes like ASKAP, we are gradually uncovering the secrets of the cosmos and furthering our understanding of the evolution of galaxies.
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