NASA | Fermi discovers giant gamma-ray bubbles in the Milky Way

Scientists have discovered a massive, mysterious structure in our Galaxy, resembling a pair of bubbles extending above and below the Galaxy center. These gamma ray emitting lobes, each 25,000 light years tall, were revealed through data processing. The structure is a few million years old, and the source of the energetic electrons within it remains unknown. Theories suggest the bubbles could be remnants of star formation or eruptions from the supermassive black hole at the Galaxy's center. Further research is needed to understand this phenomenon and its implications for the Milky Way.

What did scientists discover in our Galaxy that resembles a pair of bubbles?

• A black hole

• A supernova remnant

• A new star cluster

• A pair of gamma-ray emitting lobes

How tall is each of the gamma-ray emitting lobes discovered in our Galaxy?

• 30,000 light years

• 25,000 light years

• 15,000 light years

• 10,000 light years

What is the interaction within the bubbles that leads to the creation of gamma rays?

• Electrons interacting with lower energy light

• Neutrons interacting with magnetic fields

• Atoms interacting with cosmic dust

• Protons interacting with high energy light

What is one possible origin of the mysterious bubbles in our Galaxy?

• A collision with another galaxy

• A massive burst of star formation

• A nearby supernova explosion

• A comet impact

What is another potential source of the bubbles besides star formation?

• A planetary alignment

• A meteor shower

• An eruption by the supermassive black hole

• A solar flare