With the help of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, scientists investigated the spatial distribution of 3.6 million stars and found ripples. They confirm the ancient effects on the Milky Way
A team of scientists from the University of Kentucky has received evidence of ancient influences, which are believed to have formed and structured our galaxy. To do this, they had to study the asymmetric ripples in the stellar disk of the Milky Way, which for a long time was considered smooth.
To accomplish this challenging task, the researchers examined the spatial distribution of 3.6 million stars until they found ripples. It can be perceived as an ancient intervention, including the impact on the Sagittarius galaxy 0.85 billion years ago. These are the original architects of the central bar and the spiral arms of the galaxy. Just throw a pebble into the lake and watch the ripples paint a pattern on the water surface. Cosmic ripples repeats the same principle of breaking symmetry.
Sloan's digital heavenly survey opened up access to millions of stars. With it, it turned out to study the galactic structure, dividing the sky into smaller sections without losing statistics. When constructing the stellar density, patterns began to appear throughout the space, creating a clear picture of ripples. Scientists will continue to explore the sky to get a full review of the native galaxy.
