Astronomers Detect Seismic Ripples in Ancient Spiral Galaxy
Scientists have made an intriguing discovery about the formation of galaxies and the origins of our Milky Way. A recently captured image of a distant and ancient galaxy, known as BRI 1335-0417, offers valuable insights into its structure and provides clues about the early universe. This spiral galaxy, which is over 12 billion years old, stands as the oldest and most distant of its kind ever identified.
Dr. Takafumi Tsukui, the primary author of the study, explained that the use of the advanced ALMA telescope allowed them to closely examine this ancient galaxy with unprecedented detail. The research focused on understanding the movement of gas within the galaxy, as gas plays a crucial role in star formation. The findings, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, revealed not only the gas motion surrounding BRI 1335-0417 but also the formation of a seismic wave, a groundbreaking discovery for this early type of galaxy.
The disk of the galaxy, consisting of rotating stars, gas, and dust, exhibits a motion similar to ripples spreading on a pond after a stone is thrown. This motion is caused by an external source, either new gas streaming into the galaxy or interaction with smaller galaxies. Both possibilities provide the galaxy with additional fuel for star formation. The study also uncovered a bar-like structure within the disk, which can disrupt gas and transport it toward the galaxy’s center. This particular bar is the most distant known structure of its kind, indicating the dynamic growth of a young galaxy.
Due to the significant distance of BRI 1335-0417, the light observed today took a considerable amount of time to reach Earth. Consequently, the images captured through telescopes offer a glimpse into the galaxy’s formative years, when the universe was only 10% of its current age. Associate Professor Emily Wisnioski, a co-author of the study, highlighted that early galaxies like BRI 1335-0417 formed stars at a much faster rate than modern galaxies, and understanding how gas is supplied to sustain this rapid star formation is crucial.
The existence of spiral structures in the early universe remains a mystery, and this study provides valuable information about their formation. While direct observation of the galaxy’s evolution is impossible, computer simulations can help piece together the story. The researchers’ findings contribute to our understanding of galactic development and shed light on the intriguing processes that shaped the universe billions of years ago.
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