Was it possible that these rays were a clue to large reserves of molecular gas not yet been detected, and was there another method to trace this gas and confirm its existence? In 2005, astronomers (Grenier et al.) found an excess of cosmic rays, of unknown origin, emanating from the disk of our Galaxy. However, depending on how diffuse and cold the H 2 and CO gases are, they still might not be seen. The major component of the molecular gas in the interstellar medium is H 2, but the H 2 is usually undetectable! To map it out, radio astronomers look for “tracers” in the form of signals from other molecules mixed with the H 2 in smaller quantities, and the standard tracer is carbon monoxide (CO). The Universe is composed of a mysterious interstellar medium, which scientists are still learning more about. The Green Bank Observatory has more on the technical aspects of this massive structure: These observations had proven, the accidental finding was a real thing.Īccording to the GBT staff, “the existence of this massive structure has implications for star formation theories, as well as the structure, make-up, and total mass of the interstellar medium.” The researchers went through another exhaustive 100 hours of observations at many different points across parts of the Galaxy and it has a similar shape and extent of other components known about within the Galactic structure. “To be even more sure, we tried several different independent signal processing techniques on the GBT and 20-meter results to attempt to remove the feature as if it were from the instrumental background, rather than a real signal, and none of these methods managed to remove it.” The 20-meter dish observed the signal, Philip Engelke made a note about what was going on. Credit: NSF/GBO/P.Vosteen * SEE THE FULL TECHNICAL DISCUSSION FURTHER BELOW* 5: A new, broad, and faint structure from the OH molecule–in and between the spiral arms. 1-4: Typical narrow-line emission from the OH molecule from spiral arms. Right now, the people doing the research believe the structure extends far into the distant parts of the Milky Way Galaxy. Since the GBT has a high level of sensitivity, it was able to detect this extremely large structure that’s made up of molecular gas, versus a physical moon or planet. Essentially, the astronomers are able to see things with the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope. This discovery is being seen through the use of radio spectrum. Sometimes, in our galaxy, not everything is visible to the naked eye and that’s what is happening here. Green Bank Telescope Defending Against Asteroid Apophis
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