Since its launch in 2013, Gaia's purpose has been to measure with unprecedented accuracy the positions, distances, and motions of stars, with the aim of constructing the largest and most precise 3D catalog of space. Additionally, Gaia is expected to detect near-Earth asteroids that may pose a threat to our planet, and to discover planets orbiting neighboring stars, new supernovas, and the distribution of dark matter around our galaxy.
The new study determined that beginning 14 million years ago, multiple supernova explosions blasted out the Local Bubble, sending hydrogen gas and dust, the components of star formation, to the bubble's edge. Along that edge,By analyzing the seven largest star-forming regions along the Local Bubble's surface, the scientists were able to determine how fast the bubble is expanding, which is around 4 miles per second .
Young stars on the surface of the Local Bubble are moving in a direction perpendicular to the bubble's surface, and by tracing their motions backwards, a picture of the Local Bubble 14 million years ago emerged in which there were multiple star births and deaths near the bubble’s center. The Local Bubble abuts other bubbles, in particular, the Loop I Bubble, which contains the well-known reddish star Antares. Several tunnels connect cavities within the Local Bubble with cavities within Loop I Bubble, one of which is known as the"Lupus Tunnel". Other bubbles that are adjacent to the Local Bubble are the Loop II Bubble and the Loop III Bubble. Questions remain as to how the bubbles interact with one another.
A shock wave expands into the interstellar medium, spewing elements and weeping up gas and dust, triggering new star formation.
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