The Milky Way's Central Bulge in 3D

Earlier today, two groups of astronomers released the most detailed 3D map of the Milky Way's central bulge yet. It was created using data obtained by the VISTA telescope, located at the Paranal Observatory in Chile and the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope. All of this was done to give astronomers a better view and clearer understanding of the structure of the Milky Way's heart. The results were better than expected.

The research teams found the center of the Milky Way was shaped somewhat like e peanut (it's also been described as an "X-shape" but, I mean, look at it. Peanut is far better). How was this map created you asked?

To read the full article, see: http://www.fromquarkstoquasars.com/the-milky-ways-central-bulge-in-3d/