Fermi Bubble Graphic

NASA image release November 9, 2010

To view a video about this story go to: www.flickr.com/photos/gsfc/5162413062

From end to end, the newly discovered gamma-ray bubbles extend 50,000 light-years, or roughly half of the Milky Way's diameter, as shown in this illustration. Hints of the bubbles' edges were first observed in X-rays (blue) by ROSAT, a Germany-led mission operating in the 1990s. The gamma rays mapped by Fermi (magenta) extend much farther from the galaxy's plane.

To learn more go to: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/GLAST/news/new-structure.html

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission.

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Credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio