Over the past decade, spacecraft have provided us with breathtaking images and information about various locations within our solar system. From ancient floods on Mars to geysers on Saturn’s moon Enceladus and even the mountains on Pluto, we have witnessed extraordinary sights. But what if we could venture even further and explore the wonders of the Milky Way?
On this imaginary sightseeing trip, we will encounter supermassive black holes, pulsating stars, and Earth-like exoplanets. Beyond the spectacle, these space oddities may hold the key to answering some of the universe’s biggest mysteries, such as the formation of the first stars, the origin of strange radio signals from outer space, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Join me on this galactic adventure as I guide you through the wonders of our galaxy.
1. S1 Stream: Watching a Passing Parade of Stars Bursting with Dark Matter
Recalibrating Our Sense of Scale
To begin our journey, we will immerse ourselves in a river of stars known as the S1 stream. This celestial river stretches across the entire length of the Milky Way, surpassing thousands of light years. Our own solar system is merely a tiny grain of sand in this vast cosmic river.
Uncovering the Origins
To trace the origins of the S1 stream, we must travel back in time approximately 9 billion years to the early stages of our galaxy. From an external perspective, the S1 stream offers fascinating insights into the evolution and dynamics of our Milky Way.
