The galaxy cluster MACSJ 0138. The magnified section shows a bright orange-red dot, which traces cold dust observed in radio waves, using the Alma array. PA
The galaxy cluster MACSJ 0138. The magnified section shows a bright orange-red dot, which traces cold dust observed in radio waves, using the Alma array. PA
The galaxy cluster MACSJ 0138. The magnified section shows a bright orange-red dot, which traces cold dust observed in radio waves, using the Alma array. PA
The galaxy cluster MACSJ 0138. The magnified section shows a bright orange-red dot, which traces cold dust observed in radio waves, using the Alma array. PA

Why did infant galaxies stop growing billions of years ago? They ran out of gas


Soraya Ebrahimi
  • English
  • Arabic

Scientists have solved the mystery of why some of the universe’s oldest massive galaxies go quiet early in their formation.

These galaxies, which formed in the 3 billion years after the Big Bang, should have contained large amounts of cold hydrogen gas, the fuel required to make stars.

But researchers observing the early universe with the Atacama Large Millimetre/Submillimetre Array, known as Alma, and the Hubble Space Telescope have found half a dozen early huge galaxies that ran out of fuel.

“The most massive galaxies in the universe lived fast and furious, creating their stars in a remarkably short amount of time," said Kate Whitaker, professor of astronomy at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, in the US.

“Gas, the fuel of star formation, should be plentiful at these early times in the universe. We originally believed that these quenched galaxies hit the brakes just a few billion years after the Big Bang.

“In our new research, we’ve concluded that early galaxies didn’t actually put the brakes on, but rather they were running on empty.”

Star formation is a key way in which galaxies grow, and they are said to have become inactive when they stop forming stars.

“There was copious cold gas in the early universe, so these galaxies, from 12 billion years ago, should have plenty left in the fuel tank,” Prof Whitaker said.

Instead, researchers found only traces of cold gas at the centre of each galaxy.

This suggests that within the first few billion years of the universe’s existence, these galaxies either burnt through their energy supplies or ejected them.

It further indicates something may be physically blocking each galaxy’s replenishment of cold gas, researchers suggest.

They are not sure why this happens but possible explanations could be that the primary gas supply fuelling the galaxy is cut off, or perhaps a supermassive black hole is injecting energy that keeps the gas in the galaxy hot.

The galaxies are so far away that we are only just now seeing the light they emitted 10 billion to 12 billion years ago, when the universe was in its infancy.

The findings are published in Nature.

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Healthy tips to remember

Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:

Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast

Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits

Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day

Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet

Updated: September 22, 2021, 9:50 PM`