US astronomers have discovered a huge new section of the Milky Way. Situated on the far side of the galactic centre from Earth, it is a virtual twin of a region of stars known as a spiral arm.

The breakthrough was made possible by a discovery made 50 years ago. Radio astronomers found an unusual gas conglomeration about 10,000 light years from the centre of the Milky Way. At the time they suggested there might be a similar one on the other side, since galaxies are normally symmetrical. 

However, until now they were not able to find any proof, because their view was obstructed by large amounts of hydrogen gas from the centre of the galaxy. 

But with the help of groundbreaking technology, a powerful telescope helped scientists to find what they were looking for. The data was analysed by experts from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. They concluded that the two spiral arms are linked to the so-called stellar bar at the centre of the Milky Way. The arms are a natural result of its rotation.