Milky Way galaxy
Coverage of Milky Way galaxy in the Nexus archive.
- Our Milky Way galaxy might be larger than we thought
The Milky Way galaxy may be larger than previously believed. New findings suggest our galaxy's size could exceed current estimates.
- The Milky Way may have devoured another galaxy named Loki, and astronomers think they've found its remains
Astronomers believe the Milky Way may have consumed a galaxy named Loki, with evidence of its remains found. Observations from Patagonia, Argentina, highlight one of the Milky Way's arms, supporting this theory.
- The most common type of planet in the galaxy may not look anything like Earth on the inside
The most common type of planet in the galaxy may have internal structures vastly different from Earth, potentially featuring white-hot molten cores. This finding challenges assumptions about planetary composition and highlights diversity in exoplanet characteristics.
- Starbirth shuts down 40,000 light-years from the Milky Way's core — and astronomers don't know why
Star formation has ceased 40,000 light-years from the Milky Way's core, despite the galaxy's spiral disk spanning 100,000 light-years. Astronomers are uncertain why starbirth has stopped in this region.
- These 'interstellar glaciers' could give water to young star systems. Could they support alien life, too?
The article discusses 'interstellar glaciers' in Cygnus X, a star-forming region in the Milky Way, which may supply water to young star systems. These glaciers, containing water ice and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, could also potentially support alien life.
- Dozens of hidden star streams found in the outskirts of our Milky Way galaxy
Astronomers have discovered dozens of hidden star streams in the Milky Way's outskirts, revealing remnants of dwarf galaxies and star clusters. These streams highlight gravitational interactions between stars, dark matter, and the galaxy itself.