Astronomers have discovered previously unknown, thin filaments in the Milky Way's Central Molecular Zone (CMZ), a region packed with a significant portion of the galaxy's dense gas. This discovery was made using the ALMA telescope in Chile.
Led by researcher Kai Yang from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the team's observations revealed that these filaments are unlike anything seen before, prompting further investigation into their origins and role in the galaxy's ecosystem. The findings were published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics in 2025.
The research indicates that these 'slim filaments' are not related to star formation outflows or dust emissions. Instead, they appear to be linked to shock waves and may function as 'space tornadoes,' distributing matter and contributing to the ongoing cycle of material replenishment within the Milky Way's central region. These filaments contain molecules like silicon monoxide (SiO) and complex organic molecules, suggesting a dynamic interplay between shocks and molecular clouds.