Discovery of New Giant Radio Galaxy

Astronomers have recently made discovery in the field of astrophysics and used the MeerKAT radio telescope to study giant radio galaxies in the COSMOS field. A new giant radio galaxy was identified, expanding our understanding of these cosmic phenomena. This finding was published on November 11 in a research paper on arXiv.

What are Giant Radio Galaxies?

Giant radio galaxies (GRGs) emit radio waves across vast distances, which typically extend over 2.3 million light years. GRGs are rare and often found in low-density regions of space. Their structure includes jets and lobes composed of plasma. GRGs help scientists learn about radio source formation and evolution.

The MeerKAT Radio Telescope

The MeerKAT telescope is located in South Africa and is particularly effective for studying GRGs at high frequencies, around 1.0 GHz. The telescope’s capabilities enhance the analysis of these galaxies. It is part of the MeerKAT International GHz Tiered Extragalactic Exploration (MIGHTEE) survey.

Kathleen Charlton and her team conducted the research. They created detailed maps of three GRGs using data from MeerKAT’s UHF band and MIGHTEE L-band. One of these galaxies was previously unknown. It was designated as MGTC J100022.85+031520.4.

Characteristics of the New GRG

The new GRG is hosted by an elliptical galaxy, SDSS J100022.85+031520. This galaxy is about 1.1 billion light years away. Its size measures approximately 4.2 million light years. It has a mass 93 trillion times that of the Sun. The power output is 597 ZW/Hz at 1,284 MHz. The galaxy is estimated to be one billion years old.

MGTC J100022.85+031520.4 is the central galaxy in the cluster WHL J100022.9+031521. Its position and the bent shape of its top lobe suggest features similar to wide-angle-tail (WAT) radio sources. WATs are typically found in clusters where gas pressure influences their structure. This discovery contributes to the understanding of GRGs in cluster environments.

Important Facts for Exams:

1. MIGHTEE: The MeerKAT International GHz Tiered Extragalactic Exploration (MIGHTEE) survey studies radio galaxies. It enhances understanding of cosmic phenomena through detailed observations and data analysis from the MeerKAT telescope.
2. MGTC J100022.85+031520.4: This newly discovered giant radio galaxy is about 1.1 billion light years away. It spans approximately 4.2 million light years and has a mass of 93 trillion solar masses.
3. WHL J100022.9+031521: This galaxy cluster hosts the central galaxy MGTC J100022.85+031520.4. Its unique features and central position enhance understanding of GRGs in cluster environments.
4. Wide-Angle-Tail (WAT): WAT radio sources are characterised by their C-shaped lobes. They occur in galaxy clusters, where gas pressure influences their morphology, providing vital information about cosmic structure.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2024

Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs