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In our galaxy, an unknown object orbits a black hole every 70 minutes

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Observations with the powerful ALMA radio telescope have revealed something unusual near the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole.

Astronomers have discovered a mysterious object in the center of the Milky Way that orbits a black hole every 70 minutes. This means that the object is moving at an incredible speed – 30% of the speed of light.

According to astronomers, the object orbiting the black hole is most likely a hot bubble of gas orbiting Sagittarius A* in an orbit comparable to that of the planet Mercury. The only difference is that it completes one revolution in about seventy minutes.

According to Maciek Wielgus of the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn, Germany, this mysterious object requires an incredible speed of almost 30% of the speed of light to make one revolution in seventy minutes.

Vilgus did a study that described a bubble of hot gas orbiting a black hole. The results of the work were published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

The ALMA radio telescope, co-owned by the European Southern Observatory (ESO), was used in a joint effort with the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) to photograph black holes. In April 2017, the EHT first imaged the Sagittarius A* black hole at the heart of the Milky Way galaxy.

Astronomers believe these flares are caused by bubbles of hot gas spinning extremely fast near black holes. Previously, they were observed using X-ray and infrared telescopes.

It is especially intriguing that flares of this type have previously been recorded exclusively in the X-ray and infrared ranges.

Recent discoveries support the hypothesis that flares are produced by magnetic interactions in hot plasma orbiting a black hole. These flares appear to be of magnetic origin.

Radio telescope data show that the flare originates in a collection of gas orbiting the black hole at about 30% of the speed of light.

What happens next to the Sagittarius* environment remains a mystery to researchers for now. Scientists hope that one day they will learn more about this phenomenon and be able to get a clearer picture of what is happening in the center of our galaxy.

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Earth-like world covered by raging volcanoes found in space

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Scientists at the University of California have discovered a planet
that may bear a resemblance to Earth. However, unlike our planet, this
peaceful planet is covered with fierce volcanoes. News of the discovery
was published in the journal Nature.

The new planet was discovered using the Kepler telescope, which
explores outer space in search of exoplanets. According to scientists,
the planet is in the life zone of its star and may have conditions for
the development of life.

However, the presence of volcanoes on the surface of this planet may
mean that it is not suitable for life. This is due to the fact that
volcanoes can emit gases into the atmosphere, which can be poisonous to
living organisms.

On the other hand, scientists believe that the presence of volcanoes
on this planet may mean there is a magnetic field that protects it from
harmful cosmic rays. This may be one of the factors contributing to the
development of life on this planet.

Although the planet is 110 light years away from Earth, scientists
hope that it could be the subject of future research. However, this will
require new telescopes and more accurate measurement methods.

Interestingly, the search for exoplanets is one of the hottest topics
in modern astronomy. Scientists around the world are looking for
planets that may have conditions for the development of life. Some of
these planets are only a few light years away from Earth.

In addition, there is a theory that life on Earth may have originated
through volcanic activity. Volcanoes may have created the conditions
for the formation of the first organic compounds, which then led to the
emergence of life.

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Asteroid 1994 XD: Threat to Earth or opportunity for space exploration?

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On June 12, 2023, the asteroid 1994 XD, which is over 500 meters in
diameter, will approach Earth. Despite the fact that it will be 3.1
million kilometers away, which is 8 times the average distance to the
Moon, many are asking – can this asteroid become a threat to our planet?

It is worth noting that asteroids, like comets, pose a threat to the
Earth, but the probability of collision with them is very low. In
addition, there are many programs and projects to track space bodies,
which allow you to identify a potential threat in time and take measures
to prevent it.

However, asteroids are also of interest to scientists and space
research. Studying the composition and structure of these bodies can
help scientists better understand the origin of the solar system and the
possibilities for life in space.

For example, asteroids may contain water and other elements necessary
for life, which could be used to build space stations and bases on
other planets. In addition, studying asteroids can help scientists
develop methods to defend against potential threats from space.

The asteroid 1994 XD was discovered in 1994 by the Kitt Peak
Observatory and has not posed a threat to Earth since then. Its close
approach to our planet will be an opportunity to study this cosmic body
in more detail and expand our knowledge of space.

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