A glowing cloud of energetic particles spanning nearly 20 million light-years across space has been discovered by astronomers around a galaxy cluster.
The cloud surrounds a galaxy cluster known as PLCK G287.0+32.9, located 5 billion light-years from Earth, making it the largest structure of its kind ever found.
Scientists believe the cloud is not powered by stars or galaxies, but by shockwaves and turbulence in the space between them.
The discovery includes a massive radio halo stretching 11.4 million light-years across, emitting radiation at a frequency where such halos are typically unseen.
This phenomenon challenges existing ideas about particle energization and offers insights into cosmic magnetic fields, a major mystery in space science.
X-ray images from NASA's Chandra Observatory indicate additional peculiar features in the cluster, suggesting violent collisions and black hole eruptions.
The discovery highlights the universe's many remaining secrets, emphasizing the need for further research.