Cosmic wind
Cosmic wind is a powerful cosmic force that can push interstellar dust clouds of low density into intergalactic space. Although it easily pushes low density gas and dust clouds, it can not easily push high density clouds. As the cosmic winds start to push the clouds, they start to separate and start looking like taffy being pulled apart.[1] It has a primary composition of photons ejected from large stars and sometimes thermal energy from exploding stars.[2] It can be caused by orbital motion of gas in the cluster of a galaxy,[3] or can be ejected from a black hole.[4] Because new stars and planets form from gases, the cosmic winds that push the gases away are preventing new stars from forming.[1]
Observation
The presence of Cosmic wind in the vicinity of a black hole can be noted through the meticulous inspection of absorption line features in the spectra of the accretion disk surrounding said black hole. These features are commonly seen through X-ray telescopes such as the Chandra X-ray Observatory, NuSTAR, and NICER. The investigation of the origin and regulating mechanisms of the wind is an active research topic.
References
- Shelton, Jim (July 27, 2015). "Dust pillars of destruction reveal impact of cosmic wind on galaxy evolution". YaleNews. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
- Cray, Daniel. "Blowhard Galaxies and the Great Cosmic Wind". Time. ISSN 0040-781X. Retrieved 2016-09-28.
- "New Hubble image shows cosmic wind creating "Pillars of Destruction" | Astronomy.com". Retrieved 2016-09-28.
- "Black Holes Launch Powerful Cosmic Winds". Retrieved 2016-09-28.