Galaxy Formation
Articles tagged with Galaxy Formation
Little red dots: New clues from the early universe
Astronomers used TACC supercomputers to develop models of Little Red Dot formation, finding better agreement with Direct Collapse Black Hole theories. Researchers also analyzed JWST data using a 'genetic technique' to understand the history of these enigmatic cosmic objects.
See and hear galaxies evolve from the dawn of the universe
The COLIBRE simulations successfully reproduce real galaxies in the present-day universe and early universe as seen by the James Webb Space Telescope. The models include cold gas and cosmic dust, which strongly affect galaxy appearance in telescopes.
‘Space archaeology’ reveals first dynamic history of a giant spiral galaxy
Using data from the TYPHOON survey, scientists examined the nearby spiral galaxy NGC 1365 and achieved resolution sharp enough to separate individual star-forming clouds. The study reveals that the galaxy grew and merged with other galaxies over 12 billion years of cosmic time.
'Reborn' black hole spotted 'erupting like cosmic volcano'
Astronomers have captured a vivid portrait of a 'reborn' black hole, likened to the eruption of a 'cosmic volcano', in the radio galaxy J1007+3540. The black hole's newly ignited jets are being bent and distorted by the massive galaxy cluster environment.
‘Death by a thousand cuts’: Young galaxy ran out of fuel as black hole choked off supplies
Astronomers have spotted an ancient galaxy that was slowly starved of fuel by a supermassive black hole. The galaxy's lack of cold gas prevented it from forming new stars, despite its relatively young age. Repeated episodes of heating and gas removal by the black hole likely drained the galaxy's fuel in as little as 16-220 million years.
Development history of the universe is being rewritten based on a bachelor’s project from NBI
A team of researchers has observed a massive galaxy cluster that challenges existing models of the universe's evolution. The cluster's unusual structure and high density of cold, neutral hydrogen gas suggest a different history than previously thought. This discovery raises questions about the fate of large structures in the universe.
Pitt student finds familiar structure just 2 billion years after the Big Bang
A team led by Pitt graduate student Daniel Ivanov has discovered a barred spiral galaxy, COSMOS-74706, at a redshift of 11.5 billion years ago, marking the earliest observed instance of this structure type. This finding helps constrain the timeframe for bar formation in the universe.
The monster hiding in plain sight: JWST reveals cosmic shapeshifter in the early universe
Astronomers discover galaxy Virgil with dual personality – ordinary in visible light but harboring massive black hole. JWST observations reveal hidden nature of Virgil, challenging current models of black hole formation.
Carnegie Science names Michael Blanton 12th Observatories Director
Michael Blanton will lead the Carnegie Science Observatories as its 12th director, focusing on large-scale astronomical surveys to constrain cosmological history. The new director brings a deep well of knowledge of instrumentation and data collection to oversee research at Pasadena's campus and Las Campanas Observatory.
Astronomers spot one of the largest spinning structures ever found in the Universe
Researchers have identified a massive cosmic filament containing 280 galaxies, many of which are spinning in the same direction as the filament itself. The discovery provides rare insight into how galaxies gain their spin and could inform future efforts to model intrinsic alignments of galaxies.
New SwRI laboratory to study the origins of planetary systems
The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has launched a new laboratory to investigate the chemical origins of planetary systems. The Nebular Origins of the Universe Research Laboratory aims to connect pre-planetary evolution to planetary formation, filling key data gaps in understanding the solar system's early history.
The simulated Milky Way: 100 billion stars using 7 million CPU cores
Researchers at RIKEN successfully simulated the Milky Way Galaxy with over 100 billion individual stars, far surpassing previous state-of-the-art models. This achievement demonstrates the power of AI-accelerated simulations in tackling complex multi-scale problems in astrophysics and beyond.
WVU engineers recalibrate radio telescopes to illuminate dark energy
Researchers at WVU are enhancing the calibration of radio telescopes to measure dark energy by analyzing the '21-centimeter signal' from neutral hydrogen atoms. This technique aims to improve the ability of radio telescopes to detect large-scale structures in the universe, such as galaxy clusters and voids.
Planet formation depends on when it happens: UNLV model shows why
Researchers have created a new model that shows how planet formation timing influences planetary composition and density. The study suggests that older, rocky planets are less dense than younger ones due to the varying lifetimes of stars.
UMD-led study discovers warm space dust in distant place
Researchers have discovered warm space dust in a reservoir of hot gas surrounding the Makani galaxy, located 100 million years away. The study, led by University of Maryland astronomer Sylvain Veilleux, provides evidence that ejected dust particles can survive long journeys and may be an important ingredient in planet and star formation.
Early galaxies — or something else? Mizzou scientists uncover mysterious objects in the universe
Researchers used infrared images to spot bright objects, then applied the 'dropout' technique to confirm their nature. The study could challenge current ideas about galaxy formation in the early universe if confirmed.
NASA installs key ‘sunblock’ shield on Roman Space Telescope
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will feature a 'sunblock' shield made of lightweight yet stiff panels designed to limit heat transfer. The observatory's instruments will benefit from this design, which can detect faint signals from space.
AI vs supercomputers round 1: galaxy simulation goes to AI
Researchers used machine learning to simulate galaxy evolution and supernova explosions, achieving speeds four times faster than supercomputers. This breakthrough enables the study of galaxy origins, including the creation of the Milky Way's elements essential for life.
Milky Way-like galaxy M83 consumes high-speed clouds
Researchers discovered high-velocity clouds in the nearby spiral galaxy M83, which moved at speeds significantly different from the galaxy's overall speed of rotation. The findings suggest that these clouds originated outside the galaxy, providing new insights into how galaxies acquire fresh gas and sustain star formation over billions...
JWST captures the structural evolution of disk galaxies
Astronomers have identified thin and thick disks in distant galaxies using JWST images, revealing a consistent trend of sequential disk formation. The study estimates the thin disk formation time for Milky Way-sized galaxies to be around 8 billion years ago.
Discovery of ‘mini halo’ points to how the early universe was formed
Astronomers have detected a vast cloud of energetic particles surrounding one of the most distant galaxy clusters ever observed. This discovery reveals that entire galaxy clusters were immersed in high-energy particles for most of their existence.
New study casts doubt on the likelihood of a Milky Way – Andromeda collision
Scientists used NASA's Hubble and Gaia space telescopes to simulate the evolution of the Milky Way and Andromeda over 10 billion years. Contrary to previous beliefs, they found a only 2% probability of collision within five billion years.
ALMA measures evolution of monster barred spiral galaxy
Researchers use ALMA to observe J0107a, a 'monster' galaxy 11.1 billion years ago. They find similarities with modern galaxies in gas distribution and motion, but higher concentrations and faster gas flow rates.
Stretched in a cross pattern: Our neighboring galaxy is pulled in two axes
Researchers at Nagoya University discovered that Cepheid variable stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud are moving in opposing directions along two distinct axes, indicating the galaxy is being stretched by multiple external gravitational forces. The findings challenge previous theories of the galaxy's structure and dynamics.
Astrophysicists explore our galaxy’s magnetic turbulence in unprecedented detail using a new computer model
A new computer model simulates magnetism and turbulence in the interstellar medium, providing unprecedented detail on the Milky Way Galaxy's overall magnetic field. The model also helps understand star formation and the propagation of cosmic rays, offering insights into astrophysical phenomenon.
Understanding why galaxy clusters are warm may explain the origin of giant interstellar structures
A team of researchers at Nagoya University has discovered a fast-moving, high-temperature gas flow in the center of the Centaurus cluster of galaxies. This finding may solve the 'cooling flow problem', which explains why galaxy clusters appear to be warm despite emitting X-rays.
NASA's Roman mission shares detailed plans to scour skies
Roman's surveys will investigate dark energy and dark matter governing cosmic evolution, and study the demographics of worlds beyond our solar system. The missions include High-Latitude Wide-Area Survey, High-Latitude Time-Domain Survey, and Galactic Bulge Time-Domain Survey.
The most distant twin of the Milky Way ever observed
Astronomers have discovered a massive spiral galaxy resembling the Milky Way, formed just 1 billion years after the Big Bang. The galaxy, Zhúlóng, exhibits a mature structure with a central old bulge and large star-forming disk, challenging our understanding of galaxy formation.
‘Cosmic radio’ could find dark matter in 15 years
Researchers at King's College London and Harvard University develop a detector that can identify axions, leading potential candidates for dark matter. The Axion Quasiparticle (AQ) technology has the potential to discover dark matter in five years with further development.
New evidence suggesting magnetar origin of GRBs
A new study finds that a millisecond magnetar could have triggered the flashes of GRB 230307A, an extremely bright GRB detected in March 2023. The observation suggests that the magnetar model is consistent with the features of the prompt emission and the long-lasting X-ray plateau.
Research suggests our closest neighboring galaxy may be being torn apart
Research suggests that massive stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud are being pulled apart by the Large Magellanic Cloud. The discovery reveals a new pattern in stellar motion, which could transform our understanding of galaxy evolution and interactions.
'Hidden galaxies' could be smoking gun in universe riddle
Researchers have found evidence of a new population of faint galaxies hidden in the far-infrared sky, which could break current models of galaxy numbers and evolution. The discovery was made using data from the Herschel Space Observatory, which revealed a deeper image of the universe than ever before.
Mizzou researcher offers new theory on universe’s star formation
A new study proposes a third category of galaxies: red star-forming. These galaxies produce low-mass stars and may have played a significant role in the universe's history. The findings could change our understanding of galaxy evolution, star formation, and the life cycle of galaxies.
Do “completely dark” dark matter halos exist?
Researchers have calculated that star formation can occur in halos down to 10 million solar masses through molecular hydrogen cooling. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of galaxy formation and the nature of dark matter.
Catching a runaway star ejected from a globular cluster by an intermediate-mass black hole
Researchers found a high-velocity star ejected from a globular cluster at an extreme velocity of nearly 550 km/s, suggesting the presence of an intermediate-mass black hole. The star's similarities with the cluster's chemical composition and age provide strong evidence for the IMBH's existence.
Melodies of musical ‘starquakes’ shed new light on how our galaxy formed
Astronomers have discovered that stars in a specific region of our galaxy exhibit fluctuations in brightness, caused by 'starquakes'. These fluctuations can be translated into frequencies, providing clues about a star's age and properties. The study, led by Dr Claudia Reyes, offers new insights into how our galaxy formed.
Galaxies die earlier than expected
A recent discovery reveals that massive quiescent galaxies formed even earlier and more rapidly than previously thought. The study found a galaxy named RUBIES-UDS-QG-z7, which formed a stellar mass of over 10 billion solar masses within the first 600 million years after the Big Bang before ceasing star formation.
Sound frequencies of stars sing of our galaxy’s past and future
A new study by UNSW Sydney researchers has discovered the sound frequencies of a cluster of stars 2700 light years away, allowing scientists to map the history of the Milky Way and other galaxies. The discovery uses oscillation frequencies to determine a star's age and mass, providing insights into galaxy formation and evolution.
New high-powered telescope reaches Chilean peak
The Fred Young Submillimeter Telescope (FYST) has arrived at its final home in Chile's Parque Astronómico Atacama after a six-week ocean voyage and trekking through the mountains. The telescope will study cosmic dawn, star and galaxy formation, and gravitational waves from the Big Bang.
Cosmic anomaly hints at frightening future for Milky Way
Astronomers have discovered a cosmic anomaly that challenges our understanding of the universe, revealing a spiral galaxy harboring a supermassive black hole billions of times the Sun's mass. This discovery forces us to rethink how galaxies evolve and how supermassive black holes grow in them.
Euclid opens data treasure trove, offers glimpse of deep fields
The Euclid data release unlocks a treasure trove of information for scientists to study the universe's cosmic history and invisible forces. With its exceptional field of view, Euclid captures an area 240 times larger than the Hubble Telescope, delivering outstanding image quality in both visible and infrared light spectrum.
Deep dive into space turns up new Spitzer bubbles
Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University used a deep learning model to discover new bubble-like structures in the Milky Way galaxy, providing insights into star formation and galaxy evolution. The study also revealed shell-like structures formed by supernova explosions.
TOI-1453 c: a key sub-Neptune in a system of two exoplanets
The discovery of two exoplanets around TOI-1453, a star about 250 light years away, reveals insights into planetary configuration and formation. The super-Earth and sub-Neptune present an interesting contrast in their characteristics, with the sub-Neptune exhibiting unusually low mass and density.
Small, faint and 'unexpected in a lot of different ways': U-M astronomers make galactic discovery
Researchers found Andromeda XXXV, the smallest and dimmest satellite galaxy to date, which challenges our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution. The discovery provides new insights into how galaxies survive different epochs of the universe.
Rice research on super-Earths and mini-Neptunes suggests more Earth-like planets may exist
Using advanced simulations, researchers Sho Shibata and Andre Izidoro suggest that super-Earths and mini-Neptunes form from distinct rings of planetesimals, providing fresh insight into planetary evolution. Their model replicates key features of exoplanetary systems, including the radius valley and 'peas-in-a-pod' pattern.
“Sloshing” from celestial collisions solves mystery of how galactic clusters stay hot
Researchers have discovered flows of hot gas in the Centaurus Cluster core, shedding light on how galactic clusters stay hot through 'sloshing' caused by collisions. This solves the longstanding mystery of cluster core heating and provides new insights into the formation and evolution of galactic clusters.
Beyond our solar system: scientists identify a new exoplanet candidate
Researchers from UNSW Sydney have discovered a potential new exoplanet using the transit timing variation method. The new planet is estimated to be 10-16 times the size of Earth and orbits its star in under 16 days.
NASA’s Hubble provides bird’s-eye view of Andromeda galaxy’s ecosystem
The study reveals a dynamic ecosystem with diverse dwarf galaxies, unlike the Milky Way's smaller satellite system. Hubble's observations provide insights into how small-galaxy growth is affected by massive galaxies like Andromeda.
ASU forges new strategic partnership to solve the mystery of how planets are formed
A new collaboration between ASU, MSU, and LLNL aims to answer the question of how planets form by analyzing the atmospheres of seven young exoplanets. The team will use the James Webb Space Telescope and powerful computers to create atmospheric models that can reveal insights into planetary formation and evolution.
MSU forges strategic partnership to solve the mystery of how planets are formed
Astronomers are using the James Webb Space Telescope and high-performance computers to study the atmospheres of seven planets beyond our solar system, gaining insights into planetary formation and evolution. The KRONOS program aims to understand how planets form, evolve, and potentially harbor life.
Evan Schneider has been named a Sloan Research fellow
Evan Schneider, assistant professor at University of Pittsburgh, receives $75,000 grant to support her research on galaxy formation and gas dynamics. Her Cholla code, a GPU-based hydrodynamics model, has been used in early tests on exascale supercomputers.
In ancient stellar nurseries, some stars are born of fluffy clouds
A team of researchers from Kyushu University discovered that about 60% of molecular clouds in the Small Magellanic Cloud had a filamentary structure, while 40% were 'fluffy' with higher temperatures. This finding provides new insights into star formation in early-universe-like environments.
“Game changing” release of Type Ia Supernovae data may hold key to the history of the Universe
The release of a unique Type Ia Supernovae dataset has significant implications for cosmologists measuring the universe's expansion history. The dataset, comprising 3628 supernovae, provides unprecedented precision and accuracy in exploring the properties of these events.
Study reveals the Phoenix galaxy cluster in the act of extreme cooling
Astronomers have discovered a key ingredient within the Phoenix cluster that explains its mysterious starburst, using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to observe the cluster. The detection of warm gas confirms that the Phoenix cluster is actively cooling and able to generate a huge amount of stellar fuel on its own.
Straight shot: Hubble investigates galaxy with nine rings
The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a cosmic bullseye, revealing eight visible rings and confirming a ninth using data from the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii. The galaxy's unique ring structure was formed by a blue dwarf galaxy colliding with its center, creating a new generation of stars.
A less ‘clumpy,’ more complex universe?
Combining data from two major surveys of the universe's evolutionary history reveals a small discrepancy between expected clumpiness and observed matter distribution. This deviation could suggest unaccounted-for physics influencing cosmic structure formation, such as dark energy.
Ohio State astronomy professor awarded Henry Draper Medal
Adam Leroy, a professor of astronomy at Ohio State University, has been recognized with the 2025 Henry Draper Medal for his groundbreaking work on the interstellar medium and its relationship to star formation in nearby galaxies. His research has provided unprecedented detail on the physical nature of this material, advancing our under...
Panorama of our nearest galactic neighbor unveils hundreds of millions of stars
The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a panoramic view of the Andromeda Galaxy, unveiling hundreds of millions of stars and providing new clues to its evolutionary history. The galaxy's unique structural features, such as coherent streams of stars, suggest a more active recent star formation and interaction history than the Milky Way.
Astronomers observe real-time formation of black hole jets for the first time
Astronomers have observed a phenomenon where a supermassive black hole forms plasma jets in real-time, marking the first-ever observation of this process. The discovery provides new insights into how black holes interact with their host galaxies and could help scientists understand the evolution of the universe.