A new study suggests the Oort cloud, a theoretical shell of debris at the Solar System's gravitational boundary, might have spiral arms, resembling a mini galaxy. Located 2,000 to 5,000 astronomical units (AU) away, this cloud is believed to be the source of comets and meteors. Researchers modeled the Oort cloud's structure using a supercomputer, factoring in gravitational forces from within and beyond the Solar System, including the galactic tide. The simulation indicated that the Oort cloud possesses an internal structure akin to the Milky Way's spiral arms, with these arms spanning approximately 15,000 AU in length.
Oort Cloud May Resemble a Mini Galaxy with Spiral Arms, Study Suggests
Edited by: Uliana S.
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