Milky Way 'Accelerator' Generates Gamma Rays (IMAGE)
Caption
This graphic illustrates the idea that the black hole at the center of the Milky Way is like an extremely powerful particle accelerator, revving up protons in the surrounding magnetic plasma and slinging them into lower-energy protons with such energy that high-energy gamma rays result from the collision. The yellow line depicts the chaotic flight of a high-energy proton flung into a lower-energy proton in the hydrogen gas cloud. The green arrow represents the high-energy gamma ray that results from the proton collision.
Credit
Sarah Ballantyne
Usage Restrictions
Credit art courtesy of Sarah Ballantyne
License
Licensed content