Scientists have used the James Webb Space Telescope to study an ancient galaxy even larger than the Milky Way that formed 11.5 billion years ago.
The study, published in the Nature science journal on February 15, has tested scientists’ understanding of how galaxies form and the nature of dark matter.
Dark matter - invisible particles that do not emit, absorb or reflect light - makes up most of the universe and provides the necessary gravitational pull to attract and hold gas and dust together. This process eventually formed stars and galaxies in the early universe.
This result sets a new record for this phenomenon
Professor Karl Glazebrook
But the new research has shown that the galaxy, called ZF-UDS-7329, appears to be too large for the amount of dark matter that was present at that time.
Claudia Lagos of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research played a key role in creating the theoretical models for the study that explain how dark matter concentrations have changed over time.
“Galaxy formation is in large part dictated by how dark matter concentrates,” she said.
“Having these extremely massive galaxies so early in the universe is posing significant challenges to our standard model of cosmology.
"This is because we don’t think such massive dark matter structures as to host these massive galaxies have had time yet to form."
She said more observations were needed to understand how common these galaxies may be and to help them understand how truly vast they are.
Scientists had been trying to capture data on this galaxy for seven years and used two large ground-based telescopes to learn how old it was.
But the galaxy was too red and faint to be measured properly, so experts had to use JWST to confirm its nature.
JWST, a $10 billion telescope, is the most advanced space observatory yet built and uses its 6.5-metre mirror to collect light from faint, distant objects.
It captures them in the infrared spectrum, a type of light that is invisible to the human eye but can be captured as heat by science instruments to observe distant and cold objects in deep space.
Professor Karl Glazebrook, who led the study, said he hopes the latest findings could herald a new chapter in scientists' understanding of the physics of dark matter.
“JWST has been finding increasing evidence for massive galaxies forming early in time," he said.
"This result sets a new record for this phenomenon. Although it is very striking, it is only one object.
"But we hope to find more, and if we do this will really upset our ideas of galaxy formation.”
James Webb space images: in pictures
Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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Australia
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Sri Lanka-India Test series schedule
- 1st Test India won by 304 runs at Galle
- 2nd Test Thursday-Monday at Colombo
- 3rd Test August 12-16 at Pallekele
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
From exhibitions to the battlefield
In 2016, the Shaded Dome was awarded with the 'De Vernufteling' people's choice award, an annual prize by the Dutch Association of Consulting Engineers and the Royal Netherlands Society of Engineers for the most innovative project by a Dutch engineering firm.
It was assigned by the Dutch Ministry of Defence to modify the Shaded Dome to make it suitable for ballistic protection. Royal HaskoningDHV, one of the companies which designed the dome, is an independent international engineering and project management consultancy, leading the way in sustainable development and innovation.
It is driving positive change through innovation and technology, helping use resources more efficiently.
It aims to minimise the impact on the environment by leading by example in its projects in sustainable development and innovation, to become part of the solution to a more sustainable society now and into the future.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
T20 World Cup Qualifier, Muscat
UAE FIXTURES
Friday February 18: v Ireland
Saturday February 19: v Germany
Monday February 21: v Philippines
Tuesday February 22: semi-finals
Thursday February 24: final
Abu Dhabi card
5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 2,400m
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 2,200m
6pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 1,400m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 1,400m
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 1,600m
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
The National selections:
5pm: Valcartier
5.30pm: AF Taraha
6pm: Dhafra
6.30pm: Maqam
7pm: AF Mekhbat
7.30pm: Ezz Al Rawasi
Selected fixtures
All times UAE
Wednesday
Poland v Portugal 10.45pm
Russia v Sweden 10.45pm
Friday
Belgium v Switzerland 10.45pm
Croatia v England 10.45pm
Saturday
Netherlands v Germany 10.45pm
Rep of Ireland v Denmark 10.45pm
Sunday
Poland v Italy 10.45pm
Monday
Spain v England 10.45pm
Tuesday
France v Germany 10.45pm
Rep of Ireland v Wales 10.45pm
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