Description
The Milky Way's Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) is a unique laboratory for studying astrophysical processes in an environment that is more extreme than typical star-forming regions in the Galactic disk. To understand the complex interplay between Galactic-scale processes and the small-scale physics of star formation, we have observed the entire CMZ as part of the ALMA Large Program 'ACES' (ALMA Central molecular zone Exploration Survey). ACES has observed the CMZ with all three ALMA arrays at 3 mm, covering a contiguous area of > 1000 square arcminutes down to spatial scales of ~0.1 pc. The survey's spectral setup includes key tracers (HCO+, HNCO, SiO, CS, H40α, etc.) that probe the physical, chemical, and kinematic conditions of the gas. The combination of high angular resolution and sensitivity across a large dynamic range provides the most detailed mm-wavelength view of the multi-scale structure of the CMZ to date. I will present an overview of ACES, and discuss how it promises to advance our understanding of key open questions, such as mass flows mechanisms, 3D structure, and whether star formation theories hold in this extreme environment. I will conclude by showcasing the finalised data products, which will soon be publicly released, along with highlights of ACES early science results.
