Nasa's X-ray Telescope Suggests Milky Way Extends Further Out

WHO:

NY Post - NASA is the organization involved in the discovery.

Fox News Science - Astronomers are the scientists measuring the Milky Way's spiral arms.

WHAT:

NY Post - The discovery suggests that astronomers may need to recalculate the size and mass of the Milky Way galaxy.

Fox News Science - Rare gamma-ray bursts detected by powerful X-ray telescopes have helped astronomers measure the Milky Way's spiral arms with stunning accuracy.

WHERE:

Fox News Science - The measurements were made using X-ray telescopes orbiting the Earth.

HOW:

Fox News Science - The measurements were achieved through the detection of gamma-ray bursts by the X-ray telescopes.

(UPDATED July 4, 2026 19:23 UTC)

NASA has announced a groundbreaking discovery that could lead astronomers to recalculate the size and mass of the Milky Way galaxy. This revelation comes as a result of rare gamma-ray bursts detected by powerful X-ray telescopes orbiting the Earth, which have allowed scientists to measure the galaxy's spiral arms with stunning accuracy. The measurements were made possible through the advanced detection capabilities of these X-ray telescopes, marking a significant advancement in our understanding of the Milky Way.