South Africa’s MeerKAT radio telescope has made a groundbreaking discovery, revealing a colossal galaxy 32 times larger than our Milky Way. This galaxy, identified as a giant radio galaxy (GRG), stretches an astounding 3.3 million light-years across, showcasing the immense scale of the cosmos.
Giant radio galaxies are among the most massive structures in the universe, powered by supermassive black holes at their centers. These black holes emit plasma jets that travel at nearly the speed of light, forming lobes detectable through radio waves. MeerKAT’s state-of-the-art sensitivity to faint radio emissions enabled astronomers to observe this extraordinary galaxy, which previous telescopes failed to detect.
What sets this GRG apart is its unusual characteristics. One of its plasma jets appears bent, likely due to interactions with surrounding intergalactic matter or magnetic fields. Furthermore, the plasma in the jets varies in age, indicating a dynamic and complex formation process.
This discovery underscores the transformative power of advanced instruments like MeerKAT in unraveling the mysteries of the universe. It also challenges previous assumptions about the rarity of such massive structures, suggesting that similar galaxies may be more common than once believed.
Astronomers aim to further investigate these enigmatic cosmic entities to better understand the evolution of galaxies and the role supermassive black holes play in shaping them. As MeerKAT continues its exploration, more groundbreaking discoveries are expected, solidifying South Africa’s role in pioneering astronomy research.
Source: Web Team, C6N
