Elliptical Galaxies
Articles tagged with Elliptical Galaxies
How black holes produce powerful relativistic jets
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt used complex simulations to study the origin of powerful jets emitted by black holes. They discovered that magnetic reconnection is involved in extracting rotational energy and powering these jets.
Astronomers thought they understood fast radio bursts. A recent one calls that into question.
Researchers used a new method to precisely locate a fast radio burst, finding it in the outskirts of an old elliptical galaxy. This discovery raises questions about how energetic events occur in regions without new star formation, and challenges existing theories about FRB origins.
First fast radio burst traced to old, dead, elliptical galaxy
Astronomers have traced a fast radio burst to an ancient, dead, elliptical galaxy, shattering assumptions that these events solely emanate from young star-forming regions. The discovery hints at the possibility of diverse origins for FRBs.
Supermassive black holes halt rapid construction in an ancient celestial city
A team of researchers used James Webb Space Telescope data to find massive galaxies with supermassive black holes showing no sign of star formation, supporting the theory that SMBHs can suppress gas supply and halt galaxy growth. The study provides new insights into the co-evolution of SMBHs and galaxies.
Astronomers close to solving mystery of how universe’s giant galaxies formed
Scientists have discovered birth sites of gigantic elliptical galaxies, suggesting large gas flows and galaxy collisions created these ancient systems. The research, published in Nature, may finally unravel the enigma of how these giant galaxies formed.
Galaxies in dense environments tend to be larger, settling one cosmic question and raising others
A new study published in the Astrophysical Journal has found that galaxies in denser environments are up to 25% larger than isolated galaxies. Researchers used a machine learning tool to analyze millions of galaxies and found a clear trend: galaxies with more neighbors are also on average larger.
New dark matter theory explains two puzzles in astrophysics
A new theory, self-interacting dark matter (SIDM), proposes that dark matter particles interact through a dark force, explaining high-density halos and low-density halos of ultra-diffuse galaxies. SIDM simulates cosmic structure formation with strong dark matter self-interactions, diversifying halo density in central regions.
Finding explanation for Milky Way’s warp
Astronomers at Harvard University have discovered a tilted dark matter halo, explaining the Milky Way's warp and flare. The team used models to calculate star orbits within a warped, oblong dark matter halo, matching existing observations of a distorted galaxy.
Giant Galaxy Seen in 3D by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and Keck Observatory
Astronomers use the Hubble Space Telescope and Keck Observatory to measure the 3D shape of galaxy M87, revealing a 'potato-shaped' triaxial form. The team also determines the mass of the supermassive black hole at the galaxy's core, estimating it at 5.4 billion solar masses.
M87 in 3D: New view of galaxy helps pin down mass of the black hole at its core
Astronomers have mapped the M87 galaxy's 3D structure and determined its supermassive black hole has a mass of 5.37 billion times that of the sun. The galaxy's asymmetrical shape allows for more precise measurements, including the rotation rate of 25 kilometers per second around an axis 40 degrees from the long axis.
1st observational evidence linking black holes to dark energy
A team of researchers has discovered evidence of 'cosmological coupling' between black holes and the universe's expanding energy. By studying supermassive black holes in ancient galaxies, they found that these black holes gain mass over billions of years, matching predictions for black holes that cosmologically couple with vacuum energy.
Black hole discovered firing jets at neighboring galaxy
Astronomers have discovered a rare system featuring a black hole spewing a jet at a neighboring galaxy, providing insights into radio jet feedback and its impact on star formation. The unique nature of RAD12 has allowed researchers to study the interaction between the black hole's jet and the companion galaxy.
Supermassive black holes inside of dying galaxies detected in early universe
Astronomers used the Cosmic Evolution Survey to discover active supermassive black holes in distant galaxies. These findings suggest that a supermassive black hole can disrupt gas and prevent star formation, leading to the sudden end of galaxy star formation.
New treasure trove of globular clusters holds clues about galaxy evolution
Researchers have discovered a treasure trove of previously unknown globular clusters in the outer regions of Centaurus A, an elliptical galaxy. The study provides new insights into galaxy formation and the distribution of dark matter in the universe.
ALMA discovers the most ancient galaxy with spiral morphology
Researchers discovered a galaxy with a spiral structure 1.4 billion years after the Big Bang using ALMA data. The galaxy's estimated mass is roughly equal to that of the Milky Way and contains a large amount of dust, making it difficult to study in visible light.
How fast is the universe expanding? Galaxies provide one answer.
A new estimate of the local expansion rate, using a relatively new technique for measuring cosmic distances, finds that the universe is expanding at 73.3 km/sec/Mpc, in the middle of three other good estimates. This discrepancy between estimates raises concerns about understanding the physics and evolution of the universe.
Astronomers model, determine how disk galaxies evolve so smoothly
Researchers have advanced studies on galaxy formation, revealing the role of massive clumps in scattering stars and creating smooth galaxy disks. The models show that this process is robust and universal, applying to many types of galaxies.
Hubble maps giant halo around Andromeda Galaxy
A team of scientists using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has mapped the immense envelope of gas surrounding the Andromeda galaxy, our nearest large galactic neighbor. The study reveals a layered structure with two main shells of gas, and sheds light on the fuel for future star formation and outflows from supernovae.
A galaxy's stop-and-start young radio jets
The Very Long Baseline Array revealed young radio-emitting jets that began 80 years ago and stopped, then resumed about 10 years ago. The bright core houses a supermassive black hole about one million times the mass of the Sun.
ALMA sees most distant Milky Way look-alike
Astronomers using ALMA have discovered the most distant Milky Way look-alike galaxy, SPT0418-47, which is surprisingly unchaotic and appears as a ring of light in the sky. The discovery challenges our understanding of how galaxies form and gives new insights into the past of the Universe.
Powerful new AI technique detects and classifies galaxies in astronomy image data
Researchers developed a deep-learning framework called Morpheus to perform pixel-level morphological classifications of objects in astronomical images. The tool can handle complex images and provide detailed classification results with confidence levels.
New study examines which galaxies are best for intelligent life
A new study by University of Arkansas astrophysicist Daniel Whitmire contradicts a previous theory that giant elliptical galaxies are more likely to host technological civilizations. The study suggests that galaxies like the Milky Way, where most stars and planets reside, are more likely to harbor intelligent life.
Beyond the brim, Sombrero Galaxy's halo suggests turbulent past
The Sombrero galaxy's halo is home to an unexpected abundance of metal-rich stars, defying conventional theory. Researchers attribute this finding to major mergers in the galaxy's past, which are puzzling given the galaxy's smooth disk structure.
Leading astronomers and geophysicists honored in RAS bicentenary
The Royal Astronomical Society has awarded its highest honors to Professor Sandra Moore Faber and Professor Yvonne Elsworth for their groundbreaking research in galaxy structure, cosmology, and solar physics. Their achievements have significantly advanced our understanding of the universe.
HKU astronomy research team unveils one origin of globular clusters around giant galaxies
A study led by Dr Jeremy Lim and his team has discovered that a few thousand globular clusters formed over at least the past 1 billion years, and perhaps many more over cosmic history. This finding explains why these clusters are not as ancient as previously thought.
Heron survey fishes out detail in ghostly galaxy outskirts
The HERON collaboration completes the largest survey of nearby galaxy haloes, finding that diameter correlates with galaxy brightness; vast haloes found in bright galaxies, also seen in smaller discs. The team's low-cost system reveals faint stars tracing dark matter structures, offering new insights into galaxy evolution.
ALMA dives into black hole's 'sphere of influence'
Researchers using ALMA observe a swirling disk of cold interstellar gas rotating around a supermassive black hole, NGC 3258. The study provides an unprecedented close-up view of the disk's rotation, allowing for the determination of the black hole's mass as 2.25 billion solar masses.
Hubble sees a galaxy bucking the trend
NGC 4621, also known as Messier 59, is an elliptical galaxy exhibiting signs of star formation contrary to typical elliptical galaxies. Located approximately 50 million light-years away, the galaxy was observed using Hubble Space Telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys.
Astronomers discover giant relic of disrupted 'tadpole' galaxy
A team of astronomers has identified a giant disrupted 'tadpole' galaxy 300 million light years away, with an elliptical head and a long straight tail. The galaxy is ten times larger than the Milky Way and contains a system of two close disc galaxies.
Astronomers discover giant relic of disrupted 'tadpole' galaxy
Researchers have identified a giant, exceptional relic of a disrupted galaxy, comprising an elliptical head and a long tail. The 'tadpole' galaxy is 1 million light-years long from end to end and contains two nearby galaxies within it.
Unstoppable monster in the early universe
Astronomers used ALMA to create the most detailed map of a distant starburst galaxy, finding highly unstable molecular clouds that lead to rapid star formation. The galaxy's gas is estimated to be consumed in 100 million years, 10 times faster than in other galaxies.
Assembly of massive galaxy cluster witnessed for the first time
Astronomers have observed a colossal cluster of galaxies for the first time, containing at least 14 galaxies packed into an area four times the diameter of the Milky Way's galactic disk. The cluster is churning out stars at an incredible pace, with rates ranging from 50 to 1,000 times higher than expected for solitary galaxies.
Dark matter is a no show in ghostly galaxy
Researchers have discovered a galaxy that is almost completely devoid of dark matter, forcing them to rethink the formation of galaxies. The team found that the stars in NGC1052-DF2 can account for all its mass, leaving little room for dark matter.
Dark matter goes missing in oddball galaxy
Researchers discovered a unique galaxy, NGC 1052-DF2, lacking most of its dark matter. The galaxy is as large as the Milky Way but contains only 1/200th the number of stars, leading to its classification as an ultra-diffuse galaxy.
Dark matter is a no show in ghostly galaxy
Researchers found a galaxy with almost no dark matter, challenging the long-held idea that galaxies start with dark matter halos. The team discovered 10 globular clusters in NGC1052-DF2, which could account for all the mass in the galaxy.
How do you make a galaxy without dark matter?
Scientists have found a unique galaxy that contains almost no dark matter, a finding that challenges the standard ideas of how galaxies work. The galaxy, called NGC1052-DF2, has a mass similar to that of the Milky Way but only a fraction of the expected dark matter.
Black holes from small galaxies might emit gamma rays
Research suggests that small galaxies with smaller black holes can also produce powerful gamma-ray jets, a phenomenon previously thought to be exclusive to massive galaxies. This discovery has the potential to shift our understanding of astrophysics and blur the lines between different types of active galaxies.
Surprise: Satellite galaxies of Centaurus A are on a coordinated dance
Researchers found that 14 out of 16 satellite galaxies of Centaurus A orbit in a single plane and rotate coherently. This synchronized movement contradicts standard cosmology simulations, suggesting flaws in current theories of galaxy formation.
CALIFA renews the classification of galaxies
A team of astrophysicists has created a map with 300 galaxies close to the Milky Way, classified based on stellar motion rather than morphological characteristics. The study reveals that circular orbits are common in lower mass galaxies, while 'hot orbits' are more frequent in higher mass galaxies.
Explosive birth of stars swells galactic cores
A team of astronomers observed distant galaxies 11 billion light-years away and found that active star formation can upswell galaxies, changing their shape. This suggests that galaxies can form new shapes without colliding with other galaxies.
Astronomers detect orbital motion in pair of supermassive black holes
Researchers have detected orbital motion in a pair of supermassive black holes, marking the first-ever 'visual binary' of such systems. The two black holes are estimated to complete an orbit every 30,000 years and may merge millions of years later.
Extremely fine measurements of motion in orbiting supermassive black holes
A team of scientists has detected the smallest ever recorded movement of an object across the sky, known as angular motion, in a giant galaxy with two supermassive black holes at its center. The movement is thought to be the result of one black hole orbiting around the other over a period of 30,000 years.
Hubble captures massive dead disk galaxy that challenges theories of galaxy evolution
Astronomers find compact yet massive, fast-spinning, disk-shaped galaxy that stopped forming stars only a few billion years after the big bang. The discovery challenges current understanding of how massive galaxies form and evolve.
A lot of galaxies need guarding in this NASA Hubble view
The Abell 370 galaxy cluster is a rich mix of various galaxy shapes, including massive elliptical and spiral galaxies. Nearly a hundred distant galaxies have multiple images caused by the lensing effect, with some featuring mysterious-looking arcs of blue light.
Revealing the origin and nature of the outskirts of stellar megalopolises
A team of astronomers has discovered extended stellar envelopes in individual massive elliptical galaxies at half the age of the Universe. The study, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, used the Hubble Ultra Deep Field to characterize galactic haloes and reveal the process behind dramatic galaxy growth.
Discovered one of the brightest distant galaxies so far known
Astronomers have discovered one of the brightest non-active galaxies in the early universe, BG1429+1202, located 11.4 billion light-years away. The galaxy's high luminosity was made possible by a gravitational lensing effect caused by a massive elliptical galaxy along the line of sight.
Surprise: Small elliptical galaxy actually a giant disk
Astronomers have reclassified UGC 1382 as a colossal Giant Low Surface Brightness disk galaxy that rivals Malin 1 in size, with spiral arms visible in ultraviolet light. The galaxy is about 7 times the diameter of the Milky Way and has similar amounts of stars and gas to Malin 1.
Study explains why galaxies stop creating stars
A study of around 70,000 galaxies reveals that external mechanisms, such as infalling galaxy drag and gas stripping, are only relevant to quenching galaxies during the last eight billion years. Internal mechanisms, including black holes and stellar outflows, dominate star formation shutdown before this time.
Astronomers release spectacular survey of the distant universe
The Ultra-Deep Survey (UDS) has mapped an area four times the size of the full Moon to unprecedented depth, revealing over 250,000 galaxies detected within the first billion years after the Big Bang. Astronomers will study early stages of galaxy formation and evolution using these images.
'Wasteful' galaxies launch heavy elements into surrounding halos and deep space
Research suggests that galaxies actively launch large amounts of oxygen, carbon, and iron atoms up to a million light years away from their surroundings, leaving them with depleted reserves. This process, driven by violent supernovae and supermassive black holes, can take over 10 billion years.
UCI astronomers determine precise mass of a giant black hole
Researchers use ALMA's high-resolution data to map the rotation of cold molecular gas and dust orbiting a giant elliptical galaxy, determining the massive supermassive black hole at its center has a mass 660 million times greater than the Sun. The precise measurement is among the most accurate for a galaxy's central black hole.
ALMA measures mass of black hole with extreme precision
A team of astronomers used ALMA to measure the speed of carbon monoxide gas orbiting a supermassive black hole, calculating its mass as 660 million times greater than our Sun. This precise measurement is crucial for understanding these cosmic behemoths and their role in galaxy evolution.
Behemoth black hole found in an unlikely place
Astronomers have discovered a record-breaking supermassive black hole weighing 17 billion suns in the center of a galaxy in a sparsely populated area of the universe. The massive object's size defies expectations, as it is 10 times more massive than predicted for a galaxy of its mass.
New fast radio burst discovery finds 'missing matter' in the universe
A team of scientists identified a fast radio burst and pinpointed its location, confirming the current cosmological model of the universe's distribution of matter. The discovery measured the density of material between the FRB source and Earth, allowing for a more accurate understanding of the universe's composition.
Solved! First distance to a 'fast radio burst'
A team of scientists has confirmed that a 'fast radio burst' originates in the distant universe, using CSIRO radio telescopes and the National Astronomical Observatory's Subaru telescope. The breakthrough allows researchers to weigh the normal matter in the universe, confirming the presence of missing ordinary matter.
ALMA spots monstrous baby galaxies cradled in dark matter
Astronomers discovered nine monstrous baby galaxies 11.5 billion light-years away, pinpointed by ALMA's high resolution. These young galaxies reside at the intersection of massive filaments in dark matter, supporting a model for their formation.
'Fossils' of galaxies reveal the formation and evolution of massive galaxies
Researchers discovered massive dead galaxies with stellar content similar to local elliptical galaxies, revealing the formation and evolution of massive galaxies. The team found progenitors of these dead galaxies when they were forming stars at an earlier cosmic epoch, uncovering a consistent picture of galaxy history.
NASA's Hubble finds evidence of galaxy star birth regulated by black-hole fountain
Astronomers have discovered a self-regulating cycle between black holes, jets, and newborn stars in giant elliptical galaxies. The process, observed using Hubble Space Telescope data, controls the rate of star formation by heating and cooling gas halos around these galaxies.
Sorting through thickets of stars in elliptical galaxies far, far away
Astronomers have detected a self-regulating cycle of star births within elliptical galaxies, with black holes controlling the rate of gas cooling and star formation. The unique capabilities of space telescopes like Hubble allowed researchers to directly observe 'showers' of star formation linked to galaxy jets.