Redshift 9, oldest galaxies seen yet

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter marcus
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Galaxies Redshift
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discovery of ancient galaxies, specifically Abell 68 c1 and Abell 2219 c1, has been reported by a team led by Dan Stark from Caltech. These galaxies date back to when the universe was only half a billion years old and are less than 1/100 the size of the Milky Way. The research utilized gravitational lensing to enhance visibility, allowing the team to observe these dim galaxies. The findings are detailed in the Astrophysical Journal, volume 663, pages 10-28, although no preprint is available on arXiv yet.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational lensing techniques
  • Familiarity with galaxy formation and evolution concepts
  • Knowledge of astronomical observation tools, specifically Keck II
  • Basic comprehension of astrophysical research publication standards
NEXT STEPS
  • Research gravitational lensing applications in astrophysics
  • Study galaxy formation during the early universe
  • Explore observational techniques used in high-redshift galaxy studies
  • Review the Astrophysical Journal for related articles on early galaxies
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and researchers interested in early universe studies and galaxy formation will benefit from this discussion.

marcus
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Gold Member
Dearly Missed
Messages
24,752
Reaction score
795
http://space.newscientist.com/article/dn12233-baby-galaxies-sighted-at-dawn-of-universe.html

great. (of course must be cautious with first report and wait to see if confirmed...but looking good)

galaxies from when the universe was only half a billion years old

SciAm has this
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=B248EE16-E7F2-99DF-3F3515785B904B94&chanID=sa003Dan Stark of Caltech led the team that found them.
they were using Keck II
Another team member is Richard Ellis.

The paper just appeared in Astrophysical Journal vol 663 pages 10-28
there is no preprint as yet on arxivthey took advantage of GRAVITATIONAL LENSING acting as a magnifying glass, which extended their range.
they found these dim little blobs behind a nearby massive cluster which served as their lens.

the blobs are called Abell 68 c1 and Abell 2219 c1

these are small galaxies less than 1/100 the size of Milky
If they turn out to be really z = 9 or so, then they would have been involved in end of dark ages.
 
Last edited:
Space news on Phys.org
Wow, this is amazing! It's incredible that we've been able to find galaxies from when the universe was only half a billion years old. I'm curious to see if the team's findings are confirmed and if they uncover more evidence of these baby galaxies. I also find it fascinating that they were able to take advantage of gravitational lensing to extend their range and uncover these dim little blobs. It will be interesting to see what other discoveries they make as they continue their research.