Rebel stars (2004)
Artist's impression of the Milky Way
Artist's impression of our galaxy, the Milky Way, an aggregate of thousands of millions of stars. The spiral arms are clearly visible. They are regions of enhanced density of stars and gas. (ULB Press Release)
The Sun is located near the edge of one arm, about half-way from the galactic centre. Spiral arms can impart a kick on stars orbiting close to them. These stars are then forced unto streams running inwards or outwards, whereas the bulk of stars in the Milky Way move in circular orbits around the galactic centre. Using data from ESA’s Hipparcos satellite, astronomers have now identified three such streams, reaching into the solar neighbourhood.
Credits: S. Kerroudj, B. Famaey & A. Jorissen (Université Libre de Bruxelles)
Original paper : Astronomy & Astrophysics paper paper and data (ReadMe and notes)
Animation
Original stories
- Press clips
- La Libre Belgique (Oct. 22, 2004)
- New Scientist (M. McKee)
- able2know
- ScienceNOW 2004, 1022:3 (C. Choi)
- Complexity Digest
- Le Nouvel Observateur (22 Oct. 2004)
- Science News, Vol. 166, No. 18, Oct. 30, 2004, p. 285 (R. Cowen)
- Space.com (R. Britt)
- Yahoo
- Pour La Science