SUMMARY: Astronomers have discovered an unusual helix-shaped nebula near the centre of the Milky Way. This peculiar nebula stretches 80 light years, and looks like the classic image of a DNA molecule. The nebula formed because it's so close to the supermassive black hole at the heart of the Milky Way, which has a very powerful magnetic field. This field isn't as powerful as the one surrounding the Sun, but it's enormous, containing a tremendous amount of energy. It's enough to reach out this incredible distance and twist up this gas cloud with its field lines.

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I find it very interesting to imagine the magnetic field, and other affects from the SMBH in our galaxy's core. One of the things I want most from the JWST is clearer, more detailed images of the environment around this object. Future deep IR interferometers will be even better (whenever they get built). I'm looking forward to seeing more about this helix.

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Filaments in the Cygnus Loop (part of the Veil Nebula) are also helical, as I mentioned in the earlier Universe Today story, Magnetic Slinky in Space.

And would a Black Hole produce a directional magnetic field? I thought a singularity was indefined?

Regards,
Ian Tresman

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Ian Tresman
plasma-universe.com

This is an interesting point. The correct scientific and mathematical escape route is the word "undefined". It doesn't mean that they've proven its undefinable,or has variable properties. or naturally unresolved or doen't have definite boundaries. It just means they stumped and have agreed not to talk about it. When ever they've talked them selves into a corner they pull out the 'undefined" card like Russell did "solving" Zeno's paradox.

Hi everyone! I believe the helical nebula is a Birkelund current that could be the electrical current creating the giant magnetic field-just the reverse of what the article posited. These plasma electrical currents are well known to science. They are seen at all size scales. Filaments of plasma naturally form helixes and conduct electric flow which causes a magnetic field. Our sun has them all around it. A nebula is a plasma. I welcome a conversation about this!
Larry White

Hi larryduane100, welcome to the BAUT forum.

We actually have a pretty lively discussion of the Electric Universe topics in the Electric Universe thread in the Against The Mainstream section, here. It's been going on for a long time, so there is quite a bit of stuff to read there.

We have a policy that prevents discussion of alternative theories in any section except ATM, so please keep comments about EU there. We are pretty strict about this.

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Just a technicality.

• Birkeland currents are an established part of mainstream science [300+ mainstream references]
• The news section highlights new discoveries where new theories are discussed all the time.
• In this particular story, it should be noted that every magnetic field requires an electric current (Ampere's law)

Regards,
Ian Tresman

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Ian Tresman
plasma-universe.com