Scientists have captured the most detailed image yet of the Milky Way using Chile’s Alma radio telescope, revealing its vast structure in unprecedented detail.

The image shows long, thin filaments of matter flowing to form stars and planets, providing new insights into how our galaxy—and others in the early universe—developed.

Previously, astronomers could only see isolated patches of the galaxy’s center, but the new survey connects these regions like a detailed map.

Researchers hope to combine these observations with data from the James Webb Space Telescope or the upcoming Extremely Large Telescope to better understand star formation and galactic dynamics, The Guardian has reported.

Beyond its scientific value, the image is also visually striking, blending beauty with complex astrophysical information.