The CMZ differs considerably from other large volumes of the Milky Way in terms of gas density, temperature, and turbulence.
Additionally, compared to the galactic disk, the CMZ produces a higher flux of cosmic rays and also emits copious ultraviolet and X-ray radiation.
Its highest gas surface densities are found east of the Milky Way's dynamical center at positive latitudes and velocities.
[5] The CMZ contains the Galactic Center Radio Arc various supernova remnants and emission nebulae.
[7] Concentrations of cold dust with diameters of approximately 0.1 to 0.65 light-years, which are likely progenitor cores of future star systems, number in at least the hundreds.