Latest news with #LBH
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Astronomers discover mysterious ‘intestellar tunnels' in space. Here's more to it
Space is full of surprises, and it continues to baffle even experts! While most of us imagine our Solar System as planets surrounded by an empty void, astronomers are claiming that there's much more happening in the cosmic neighborhood. New studies conducted by astronomers at the Max Planck Institute, led by Dr. L. L. Sala and his colleagues have confirmed that the Sun sits inside a giant bubble of hot gas, and within it, there might be strange 'interstellar tunnels' connecting us to other star systems. New discovery indicates a network of "interstellar tunnels" connecting our Solar System with other stars.(Unsplash) A bubble born from explosions Decades of research has proved that the Solar System lies within a region of space known as the Local Hot Bubble (LBH) which spans across 300 light years, formed as a result of cosmic explosions called supernovas that occurred millions of years ago. These explosions caused the surrounding gas to heat up, resulting in a low-density, high-temperature environment, and traces of these activities are still present in the form of faint remnants of hot plasma. Dr. L. L. Sala and colleagues used data from the eRosita X-ray telescope to chart this region in unprecedented detail and Dr. Sala mentioned, 'We find the temperature of the LHB exhibits a north-south dichotomy at high latitudes,' in a paper published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. eRosita's research, combined with old data from ROSAT, another X-ray survey, indicate temperature differences across the region and faint traces of warm gas, dust cavities, and interstellar structures, offering the most refined picture yet of our cosmic neighborhood. Also read | Pune astronomers make vital space discovery: Galactic wind around tiny galaxy Intriguing cosmic channels The most intriguing finding from the study is what the team describes as 'interstellar tunnels' - channels of hot plasma that seem to extend from the Solar System, stretching towards the Centaurus constellation. Another such pathway appears to point towards Canis Major. These pathways, that could be part of a larger network of cosmic 'backroads,' connecting regions of the galaxy shaped by ancient supernovas, seem to cut through the hot plasma, forging channels between us and other distant star systems. The findings indicate that these may be part of a larger interconnected system stretching between star-forming regions and pockets of gas, lending weight to older theories about networks of dust cavities filled with hot gas resulting from supernova activities. Also Read | Harvard astronomer warns interstellar object moving towards Earth could 'save us or destroy us' Redefining the 'void' Space is far from empty and the Local Hot Bubble is proof that ancient supernovas and other cosmic activities have shaped today's cosmos into a complex environment intermingling with dust, plasma, radiation and magnetic fields, making the so-called 'void' far more complex than simple vacuum. The research team has successfully mapped out parts of the LBH and its peculiar passages but much remains unclear. Some areas appear to be connected by cavities, while others are blocked, indicating that more advanced research models are required to understand them. Astronomers claim that advanced X-ray missions, deeper surveys, and more refined models of hot gas distribution are required in order to understand more. Mapping them further could reveal how they shape cosmic rays, dust flow, and stellar winds. The new discovery reiterates the fact that even our local space holds surprises, challenging old assumptions and adding complexity to what lies between the Solar System and other nearby stars. As technology improves, each new finding will not only answer questions but also uncover more, gradually reshaping our understanding of the cosmos.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
One of only London borough's where garden waste is collected for free every week plans to charge £70
Hillingdon Council has revealed plans to bring forward a 'subscription' style fee to collect residents' garden waste. The measure is one of many announced in the budget as the council aims to make savings and relieve financial pressures. The local authority says the proposed change would 'also mean that the service is paid for by those using it rather than the cost being shared by all taxpayers, including those without gardens'. London Borough of Hillingdon (LBH) believes the plan, which would cost residents £70 per year, could save £2.5 million, however not everyone is convinced. Many other London boroughs already charge for garden waste. Sarah Aksam, 36, is a single mum from West Drayton. She labelled the councils plans as 'outrageous' and 'diabolical'. She said: "I think it's outrageous as rent and council tax will also be going up. The council needs to think of the resident and what helps them, not bring in more costs. READ MORE: Woman, 46, killed in Harrow crash involving bus and car named READ MORE: CCTV shows the chilling moments before West London drug 'turf' rivalry ends in tragic murder "I'm a single parent and it's a struggle before the council add these new costs... the next best option we have to remove the garden waste is to go down the tip, and I don't think it'll be long before the council start charging you for taking your garden waste down there too." At a meeting of full council on Thursday (February 27), Labour Leader Councillor Peter Curling objected to the policy. He said: "Not only is this the Conservative group sinking their own flagship policy of free weekly collections, but we believe this is a figure plucked out of the air. It is based on an estimate of around 35,715 council taxpayers that would be willing to sign up for and pay £70 for their green waste to be collected." In Ealing, around 13,500 residents use the paid-for service. Hillingdon would need more than double that number to meet cost saving projections despite having a lower population. Council Leader Ian Edwards responded, claiming that Labour have 'no alternative plan'. He added: "Instead of our proposal to charge for green waste collections we could've raised fees and charges, charging more for older cars and diesel. Labour policy, not achievable, not realistic." On Wednesday (February 26) the Local Democracy Reporting Service revealed Hillingdon Council is 'at risk' of bankruptcy. A council report outlined a number of financial pressures facing the local authority. It said: "[The council] has chosen to deliver a full range of universal services at no extra cost to residents in some areas that other authorities have been charging for years... the council's low fees and charges reduce income, contributing to financial challenges." A four-week consultation launched on Monday (March 3), as the council 'seeks to understand residents' usage and views' on the policy proposal. LBH believe the subscription fee would offer residents 'better value for money than neighbouring boroughs through a cheaper rate per collection'. The council would retain the current weekly collections in spring, summer and autumn. Ealing Council introduced fortnightly garden waste collection fees in 2012, and currently charge residents £96.50 per year. Hounslow Council introduced collection charges in 2018. Residents currently pay £65 per year, with waste collected every two weeks. Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Community and Environment, said: "We are constantly seeking to protect residents from increased burdens but it is necessary to consider this proposal in order to ensure a more sustainable operating model for the future while continuing to put residents first by delivering value for money in comparison to our neighbouring boroughs." The consultation is open until Monday, March 31, and a decision will be made in spring. Residents can contribute to the consultation on the Hillingdon Council website. Have a story you want to share? Email Don't miss out on the biggest West London news. Sign up to our MyWestLondon newsletter HERE for all the latest daily news and more.
