Researchers discovered gases from 49 galaxies while at first studying a single galaxy. Utilizing the MeerKAT telescope, they identified significant galaxy groupings and dynamics, highlighting the instruments potential for future huge research.A worldwide group of astronomers has identified 49 new gas-rich galaxies with the aid of the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa.Dr Marcin Glowacki, from the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) in Western Australia, led the research study, which aimed to study the star-forming gas in a single radio galaxy. Although the group didnt find any star-forming gas in the galaxy they were studying, Dr Glowacki instead discovered other galaxies while checking the data.In total, the gas of 49 galaxies was detected. Dr Glowacki stated this was a fantastic example of how wonderful an instrument like MeerKAT is for finding the star-forming gas in galaxies.A team of international astronomers has discovered 49 brand-new galaxies using the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa, utilizing observations that were less than 3 hours long. Credit: ICRARThe observations, which lasted less than 3 hours and were facilitated by IDIA (Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy), made this discovery possible.” I did not expect to find nearly fifty brand-new galaxies in such a brief time,” he said. “By implementing various methods for finding galaxies, which are utilized for other MeerKAT surveys, we were able to discover all of these galaxies and reveal their gas material.” Four neighboring galaxies as part of the set of 49 found by MeerKAT, revealed by the white contours. 3 of the galaxies are linked together by their gas material. The biggest galaxy is taking gas from two neighboring galaxies. The background color image is from the DECaLS DR10 optical study. Credit: ICRARThe “49ers” GalaxiesThe brand-new galaxies have been informally nicknamed the 49ers, a referral to the 1849 California gold rush miners. Dr Glowacki sees the 49 brand-new galaxies as valuable as gold nuggets in our night sky. Lots of galaxies are near each other, forming galaxy groups, with several recognized in one observation.Three galaxies are straight connected by their gas.Example of specific detections of the gas spotted by MeerKAT. Credit: ICRARDr Glowacki stated, “These three are especially interesting, as by studying the galaxies at other wavelengths of light, we found the main galaxy is forming lots of stars. It is most likely taking the gas from its buddy galaxies to fuel its star development, which may lead the other two to end up being inactive.” Professor Ed Elson, from the University of the Western Cape and a co-author of the paper, said, “This discovery highlights the raw power of the MeerKAT telescope as an imaging instrument. The approaches we implemented and established to study the 49ers will be beneficial for MeerKAT big science studies and smaller sized observing campaigns such as ours.” The 49ers– the 49 new gas-rich galaxies spotted by the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa. Each detection is shown as colored shapes, with redder colors suggesting more remote gas from us, and bluer colors as closer gas. The background image originates from the optical PanSTARRS study. Credit: ICRARDr Glowacki has actually recently found more gas-rich galaxies with the assistance of Jasmine White, an ICRAR summer student, who worked with him and evaluated brief observations made by MeerKAT.” We intend to continue our studies and share even more discoveries of brand-new gas-rich galaxies with the broader community quickly,” Dr Glowacki said.Reference: “A serendipitous discovery of H i-rich galaxy groups with MeerKAT” by M Glowacki, L Albrow, T Reynolds, E Elson, E K Mahony and J R Allison, 26 March 2024, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.DOI: 10.1093/ mnras/stae684.
Researchers discovered gases from 49 galaxies while at first studying a single galaxy. Utilizing the MeerKAT telescope, they identified substantial galaxy groupings and dynamics, highlighting the instruments capacity for future astronomical research.A worldwide group of astronomers has actually identified 49 brand-new gas-rich galaxies with the aid of the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa.Dr Marcin Glowacki, from the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) in Western Australia, led the research study, which aimed to study the star-forming gas in a single radio galaxy. The team didnt find any star-forming gas in the galaxy they were studying, Dr Glowacki rather discovered other galaxies while checking the data.In overall, the gas of 49 galaxies was detected. Numerous galaxies are near each other, forming galaxy groups, with several recognized in one observation.Three galaxies are directly connected by their gas.Example of individual detections of the gas spotted by MeerKAT.
