Overview
- The ACES survey maps the 650‑light‑year Central Molecular Zone at high resolution using a multi‑line setup capturing about 71 spectral features, yielding ALMA’s largest mosaic to date.
- Spectral maps chart dozens of molecules, from inorganic species such as silicon monoxide to complex organics including methanol, acetone and ethanol.
- The data expose highly turbulent, shock‑rich gas with supersonic signatures, including a cloud shredded by a hypernova that now expands as a ring‑like front.
- Analyses identify previously unrecognized large‑scale structures, notably a nested system of six spiral arms interpreted as ring‑like gas features near the galactic center.
- A compact, bright object dubbed MUBLO shows broadened lines and unusual sulfur‑bearing chemistry without clear counterparts at other wavelengths, as initial results are published across multiple accepted MNRAS papers.