Scientists unexpectedly discovered a spiral structure within the inner Oort Cloud, a region beyond Pluto filled with icy comets, while preparing a planetarium show at the American Museum of Natural History. Initially believed to be spherical or shell-shaped, the new data reveals a 'bar' with two waving arms, similar to the Milky Way. This finding, published in the Astrophysical Journal, significantly alters our understanding of the outer solar system's structure, highlighting the serendipitous nature of scientific discovery.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.