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ALMA Reveals Stunning 650-Light-Year Image of Galactic Secrets

2/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The European Southern Observatory released the largest image from the ALMA antenna network.
The image captures a region of cold cosmic gases spanning more than 650 light-years around the Milky Way's central supermassive black hole.
Steve Longmore, survey leader, emphasized the significance of this extreme environment, now revealed in unprecedented detail.
The image helps astronomers understand star formation and galaxy evolution.

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Story summary

The European Southern Observatory released the largest image from the ALMA antenna network.
The image captures a region of cold cosmic gases spanning more than 650 light-years around the Milky Way's central supermassive black hole.
Steve Longmore, survey leader, emphasized the significance of this extreme environment, now revealed in unprecedented detail.
The image helps astronomers understand star formation and galaxy evolution.