A new study has revealed the existence of cosmic tunnels that connect the solar system to stars across the universe. Utilizing data from the eRosita observatory, astronomers found regions filled with hot plasma stretching light-years, forming pathways within an intricate cosmic web.
Advanced mapping techniques identified narrow channels linking galaxies, resulting from supernova explosions of massive stars. These energetic blasts create hot plasma bubbles that merge into interconnected structures, forming a cosmic network that transports energy and materials across galaxies.
The research indicates that these tunnels influence interstellar activity, guiding cosmic rays and affecting star formation and radiation levels. Elements produced by supernovae, crucial for planetary development and life, also traverse these channels, distributing key materials essential for new star systems.
A study published in Astronomy & Astrophysics highlighted a cosmic tunnel near the solar system, believed to be part of the Local Hot Bubble. This tunnel neck may serve as a passage through gas, potentially linking the solar system to other stars in the galaxy.
Michael Freyberg, a researcher involved in the study, noted that the eROSITA telescope, which uses X-ray detectors, enabled a more detailed exploration of the bubble compared to earlier instruments. The concept of the Local Hot Bubble has been around for over 50 years, initially proposed to explain unusual X-ray radiation in space.
These findings challenge conventional perceptions of space, emphasizing the universe's dynamic nature and evolution. They also raise intriguing questions about the potential existence of similar tunnels throughout the galaxy, suggesting a vast network across the Milky Way.