Center of the Milky Way exploded while humans' ancestors were already using tools – Evening Standard, Standard.co.uk

                              

                                                                                          

The center of theMilky Wayexploded emitting a giant beam of energy while the ancestors of humans were already using stone tools, new research has revealed.

                                                                                                                                                

Scientists say around 3.5 million years ago a colossal beam of energy shot out from the heart of our galaxy into deep space before hitting the Magellanic Stream – a long trail of gas extending from nearby galaxies.

                                                                                                                                                   

This was 63 million years after an asteroid wiped out most of the life onearthand ended the reign of thedinosaurs.

                                                                                                                                                         

The discovery “dramatically” changes the understanding of the Milky Way and opens up “the possibility of a complete reinterpretation of its evolution and nature”, scientists behind the study say.

                                                                                                                                                      

      

       

When the explosion happened, ancestors of human beings known asAustralopithecus afarensiswere walking the planet. Research has found evidence that they were using stone tools to butcher animals at the time.

                                                                                                                                                

The explosion is thought to have lasted for around 300, 000 Years.

                                                                                                                                                

Lisa Kewley, director of Australia’s ARC Center of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3 Dimensions (ASTRO 3D), said: “A massive blast of energy and radiation came right out of the galactic center and into the surrounding Material.

                                                                                                                                                            

“This shows that the center of the Milky Way is a much more dynamic place than we had previously thought.”

                                                                                                                                                

The team first described the evidence of this explosion in 2013, when they identified Sagittarius A * – a massive black hole at the center of the Milky Way around 4.2 million times bigger than the sun – as the cause of the explosion.

                                                                                                                                                                              

In 1996, astronomers became aware of a strange glow radiating from the Magellanic Stream.

                                                                                                                                                

Scientists began to hunt for a cause and Sagittarius A * became the prime suspect.

                                                                                                                                                

Based on a recent analysis of the data gathered by the Hubble Space Telescope, the researchers calculated the massive explosion took place 3.5 million years ago.

                                                                                                                                                

Their latest work, published in the Astrophysical Journal, reinforces previous findings.

                                                                                                                                                

Magda Guglielmo, from the University of Sydney and one of the study authors, said: “These results dramatically change our understanding of the Milky Way.

                                                                                                                                                                

“We always thought about our galaxy as an inactive galaxy, with a not-so-bright center.

                                                                                                                                                

“These new results instead open the possibility of a complete reinterpretation of its evolution and nature.

                                                                                        

“The flare event that occurred three million years ago was so powerful that it had consequences on the surrounding of our galaxy.

                                                                                        

“We are the witness to the awakening of the sleeping beauty.”