![MeerKAT Radio Telescope Uncovers 49 Hidden Galaxies in Mere Hours : ScienceAlert 2 GasDetectedByMeerKAT](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GasDetectedByMeerKAT.jpg?w=1170)
The birthplaces of stars, enormous clouds of predominantly hydrogen gas, captivate astronomers who aim to understand the mysteries of galaxy and star formation. Such gas emits a weak radiance, invisible to the naked eye but detectable through radio astronomy.
A recent stellar study with the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa, which I partook in, brought forth a surprising revelation. Our less than three-hour observational session, initially targeted at a single galaxy, unexpectedly led to the discovery of 49 previously unknown galaxies. The details of our findings are documented in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Unlocking the Secrets of Galactic Gas
Nebulae, vast gas clouds are stellar cradles, constantly feeding the cycle of star birth and death. Grasping the whole picture of galaxies requires considering both the stars and the gas within. We are especially intrigued by ‘merger events’—cosmic collisions where galaxies amalgamate, sparking new star formation and altering the gas landscape around them.
While optical telescopes struggle to capture this galactic gas, radio telescopes like MeerKAT excel. They shed light on the cosmic dance of galaxies, often revealing interactions not evident in visible light.
South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO)
Exploring with MeerKAT
As the precursor to the upcoming Square Kilometre Array (SKA), MeerKAT’s fifth anniversary highlights its significant contributions from uncovering colossal radio galaxies to probing our own Milky Way’s core.
Through major survey projects like MIGHTEE-HI and LADUMA, MeerKAT is delving into the hydrogen in galaxies with fine-tuned precision. Additionally, “open time” observations allow astronomers, like myself, to utilize MeerKAT for various scientific pursuits, which is precisely how these 49 new galaxies came to light.
Though our target galaxy evaded detection, persistent analysis using techniques from projects like LADUMA led to unexpectedly discovering the 49 galaxies, revealing intricate galactic interactions and even instances of gas theft between neighboring systems.
(Glowacki et al. 2024)
The 49ers: A Galactic Gold Rush
Dubbed the 49ers, these celestial finds were extracted from MeerKAT’s observations using advanced tools such as the ilifu cloud supercomputer and a virtual reality software, iDaVIE-v, for three-dimensional visual data analysis.
Astronomers Digging for More Cosmic Gold
The MeerKAT telescope’s capability to uncover 49 new galaxies in a short span signals the potential for more discoveries within existing and future observations. This exploratory streak continues as our investigation uncovered over 80 new galaxies in mere three MeerKAT observations. With MeerKAT, and soon the SKA, a new era of astronomical discoveries awaits.
By Marcin Glowacki, Research Associate, Curtin University
Article republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
FAQ
Q: What is the MeerKAT radio telescope?
A: MeerKAT is a radio telescope in South Africa that consists of 64 dishes acting as one large telescope. It’s a precursor to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope and celebrates its fifth anniversary with remarkable astronomical contributions.
Q: What is significant about the discovery of the 49 new galaxies?
A: Discovering 49 galaxies in less than three hours of observation is unprecedented and highlights the impressive sensitivity of MeerKAT. It demonstrates the vast potential for uncovering many other galaxies in future MeerKAT observations and the eventual SKA telescope.
Q: How were the 49 galaxies found?
A: The 49 galaxies were found during an “open time” MeerKAT observation targeting a single galaxy. Using advanced data reduction techniques, supercomputing, and visualization software, the researchers uncovered these previously unknown galaxies, greatly expanding our knowledge of the cosmos.
Conclusion
The MeerKAT radio telescope’s extraordinary sensitivity has ushered in a new frontier of astronomy, evidenced by the discovery of 49 unseen galaxies in a brief observational window. This feat opens doors for new possibilities in the quest to understand the universe’s vast and intricate design. As astronomers eagerly anticipate further MeerKAT revelations and the completion of the more powerful SKA telescope, the pursuit of cosmic knowledge continues with vigor, promising a golden era of astronomical discovery.