- Researchers used computer calculations to track the movement of light
- The findings could provide insights into how spiral galaxies form
- It comes just days after researchers indicated that half the matter in the Milky Way comes from other galaxies
A stunning new map has been created that displays the distribution of all light energy in the Milky Way for the first time.
Researchers used complex computer calculations to track the movement of light particles through our galaxy to create the map.
The team hopes their findings will provide new insights into the make-up of our galaxy and how stars in spiral galaxies such as ours form.
A stunning new map has been created that displays the distribution of all light energy in the Milky Way for the first time. Pictured, an all-sky image of the Milky Way, as observed by the Planck Space Observatory in infrared. The data contained in this image were used in this research and were essential in calculating the distribution of the light energy of our galaxy.
The map was made by an international team of researchers, led by the University of Central Lancashire.
Their research also reveals how light from stars (stellar photons) controls the production of the highest energy light particles – gamma rays.
Professor Cristina Popescu, who led the study, said: 'We have not only determined the distribution of light energy in the Milky Way, but also made predictions for the stellar and interstellar dust content of the Milky Way.'
The researchers tracked all stellar photons and made predictions for how the Milky Way should appear in ultraviolet, visual and heat radiation.
Together, this information was used to calculate a complete picture of how stellar light is distributed throughout our galaxy – an understanding that could help us understand the history of the universe. Read more...