Scientists Find Record-Breaking Collection of Molecules in 2 Extremely Ancient Galaxies
Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery – a record-breaking collection of molecules in two extremely ancient galaxies. These galaxies, located over 12 billion light-years away, offer a glimpse into the early universe and provide valuable insights into how stars formed in the distant past.
The discovery was made using NOEMA, the Northern Extended Millimeter Array, a powerful radio telescope located in France. NOEMA is able to detect faint millimeter and submillimeter radio waves, which are emitted by molecules in space.
The team, led by Chentao Yang of the Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, was able to detect a whopping 13 different molecules in these two galaxies. This is the most diverse collection of molecules ever found in such distant objects.
"We were surprised by the sheer number of molecules we were able to detect," said Yang. "This is a real treasure trove of information that will help us to understand how galaxies formed and evolved in the early universe."
One of the galaxies, APM 08279+5255, is home to a quasar, an active supermassive black hole that is devouring massive amounts of gas. The other galaxy, NCv1. 143, is a more "normal" galaxy, but it is still forming stars at a rate that is hundreds of times faster than the Milky Way.
The presence of so many different molecules in these galaxies suggests that they have rich and complex environments. The molecules can be used as tracers of different physical and chemical processes, such as star formation and gas cooling.
"By studying these molecules, we can learn more about the conditions that led to the formation of the first stars and galaxies," said Yang. "This is a major step forward in our understanding of the early universe."
The discovery also has implications for our understanding of the universe today. The molecules found in these ancient galaxies are similar to those found in star-forming regions in our own Milky Way. This suggests that the processes of star formation are similar throughout the universe, even over vast distances and timescales.
"This discovery shows us that the universe is a much more uniform place than we once thought," said Yang. "The same laws of physics that govern star formation in our own galaxy are also at work in these distant galaxies."
The discovery is sure to spark further research into the early universe. Astronomers are now planning to use more powerful telescopes to study these galaxies in even greater detail. They hope to learn more about the specific molecules present, as well as the conditions that led to their formation.
"This is just the beginning," said Yang. "We have only just scratched the surface of what these galaxies have to tell us. I am confident that future observations will reveal even more amazing discoveries about the early universe."
This discovery is a major breakthrough in our understanding of the early universe. It provides us with a new window into the past and helps us to piece together the story of how the universe came to be. With continued research, we may one day be able to fully understand the origins of our cosmos.
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