Astronomers find cosmic tunnel in space connecting solar system to stars

Astronomers find cosmic tunnel in space connecting solar system to stars (Image: Canva)

Astronomers say space around us may not be empty. A strange tunnel of plasma seems to link our solar system to faraway constellations. The discovery adds a fresh layer to how we see interstellar space.

Local Hot Bubble explained

The tunnel was detected inside a region called the Local Hot Bubble. This area is about 300 light years across. It is filled with thin gas heated by ancient stellar blasts. Supernovas from dying stars shaped this region long ago. Researchers used data from the eRosita instrument to confirm the find.

Pathways connecting constellations

One channel appears to stretch toward the Centaurus constellation. Another seems to reach the vicinity of Canis Major. These channels might form a larger connected web in space. Researchers think they were sculpted by energetic and intense stellar processes.

So far, the interstellar medium between stars was thought to be empty space. The new data reveal a complex network created through star explosions. Such channels might control cosmic rays and stellar winds around us. Researchers hope to keep mapping this network for further insight.