In a groundbreaking revelation, astronomers using the advanced Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) telescope have captured an image of the oldest and most distant spiral galaxy ever identified in the universe. BRI 1335-0417, aged over 12 billion years, is providing scientists with invaluable insights into the early stages of galactic formation and, in turn, shedding light on the origins of our own Milky Way.
The findings, recently published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, mark a significant stride in understanding the dynamics of ancient galaxies. Dr. Takafumi Tsukui, the primary author of the study, emphasized the role of the ALMA telescope in providing unprecedented detail about the ancient galaxy.
“Specifically, we were interested in how gas was moving into and throughout the galaxy,” explained Dr. Tsukui. “Gas is a key ingredient for forming stars and can give us important clues about how a galaxy is fueling its star formation.”
The researchers not only succeeded in recording the movement of gas around BRI 1335-0417 but also made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the formation of a seismic wave, a phenomenon never before observed in such early types of galaxies.
The galaxy’s disk, characterized by a flattened assembly of rotating stars, gas, and dust, exhibits a motion reminiscent of ripples spreading on a pond after the impact of a thrown stone.
“The vertically oscillating motion of the disk is due to an external source, either from new gas streaming into the galaxy or by coming into contact with other smaller galaxies,” explained Dr. Tsukui. “Both possibilities would bombard the galaxy with new fuel for star formation.”
Additionally, the study revealed a bar-like structure in the disk, which is the most distant known structure of its kind. Galactic bars can disrupt gas and transport it towards the center of the galaxy, showcasing the dynamic growth of this early galaxy.
Due to the considerable distance of BRI 1335-0417, its light takes an extended duration to reach Earth. The observed images provide a glimpse into the formative years of the galaxy, offering a window to a time when the universe was only 10% of its present age.
Co-author Associate Professor Emily Wisnioski highlighted the significance of the findings in understanding the rapid star formation in early galaxies. “Spiral structures are rare in the early universe, and exactly how they form also remains unknown. This study gives us crucial information on the most likely scenarios,” she said.
While direct observation of the galaxy’s evolution is impossible, computer simulations will play a vital role in piecing together the story of this ancient celestial entity. The discovery of BRI 1335-0417 marks a milestone in our quest to comprehend the intricacies of galactic evolution and the cosmic processes that shaped our cosmic neighborhood.
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