Using the MUSE instrument on the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope, astronomers have made a remarkable discovery regarding galactic winds. These cosmic phenomena, generated by the explosive demise of massive stars, play a crucial role in constraining the growth and star formation within galaxies. Despite their elusive nature due to low density, the researchers managed to uncover these winds by analyzing emission signals from magnesium atoms.
The study, led by a scientist affiliated with the Centre de Recherche Astrophysique de Lyon (CNRS / ENS de Lyon / Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University), has extended our understanding of galactic winds. It was previously observed that these winds affect galaxies in our local universe. However, the international research team’s findings, slated for publication in Nature on December 6, 2023, have revealed that this phenomenon is not confined to our immediate cosmic neighborhood; it is a universal process affecting galaxies that are more than 7 billion years old and actively engaged in star formation—representative of the majority of galaxies.
The researchers accomplished the intricate task of identifying the morphology of these galactic winds. To visualize these diffuse and low-density structures, they combined images of over a hundred galaxies obtained through extensive exposure times. By scrutinizing magnesium atom emissions, the team managed to chart the shape of these winds, which manifest as cones of matter explosively ejected perpendicularly from both sides of the galactic plane.
In the pursuit of deeper insights, the researchers have set their sights on measuring the extent of these galactic winds and quantifying the volume of matter they transport.
Notes:
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The leader of the research team is associated with the Centre de Recherche Astrophysique de Lyon (CNRS / ENS de Lyon / Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University). Collaborating scientists from the Galaxies, Étoiles, Physique, Instrumentation (GEPI) (CNRS / Paris Observatory–PSL) research laboratory, along with various international research teams, participated in the study.
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The Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) is operated by seven prominent European research laboratories, including the Centre de Recherche Astrophysique de Lyon, which oversees MUSE activities.
Reference:
“Bipolar outflows out to 10 kpc for massive galaxies at redshift z ≈ 1” by Yucheng Guo, Roland Bacon, Nicolas F. Bouché, Lutz Wisotzki, Joop Schaye, Jérémy Blaizot, Anne Verhamme, Sebastiano Cantalupo, Leindert A. Boogaard, Jarle Brinchmann, Maxime Cherrey, Haruka Kusakabe, Ivanna Langan, Floriane Leclercq, Jorryt Matthee, Léo Michel-Dansac, Ilane Schroetter, and Martin Wendt, 6 December 2023, Nature.
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06718-w
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Galactic Winds
What are galactic winds, and why are they significant?
Galactic winds are streams of matter ejected from galaxies, often triggered by the explosions of massive stars. They are significant because they play a crucial role in limiting the growth and star formation within galaxies. This discovery expands our understanding of these winds, showing that they affect galaxies over 7 billion years old.
How were galactic winds detected in ancient galaxies?
Astronomers used the MUSE instrument on the ESO’s Very Large Telescope to detect these winds. They analyzed emission signals from magnesium atoms, which allowed them to map the morphology of the galactic winds. The winds appeared as cones of matter explosively ejected from both sides of the galactic plane.
Why is it important that galactic winds were found in galaxies over 7 billion years old?
This finding is important because it demonstrates that galactic winds are not limited to galaxies in our local universe but are a universal phenomenon. They impact galaxies that are actively forming stars, which represents the majority of galaxies, providing insight into the evolution and dynamics of galaxies throughout cosmic history.
What are the future research goals regarding galactic winds?
Researchers aim to measure the extent of these galactic winds and quantify the amount of matter they transport. This will help us understand the full extent of their impact on galaxy growth and star formation, furthering our knowledge of these cosmic processes.
More about Galactic Winds
- European Southern Observatory (ESO): Information about the ESO’s Very Large Telescope and its instruments, including MUSE.
- Centre de Recherche Astrophysique de Lyon: Details about the research institution affiliated with the team’s leader.
- Nature: The scientific journal where the research findings were published.
- Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE): Information about the MUSE instrument and its capabilities.
- CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research): The organization with which the research team leader is affiliated.
- Galaxies, Étoiles, Physique, Instrumentation (GEPI): Details about the research laboratory that contributed to the study.
4 comments
wow, this is sum heavy space stuff, i dunno bout galactic winds b4, but now i get it! it’s like, stars blow up and make winds, wild!
ESO’s telescope is epic! This findin’ is like, “Hey, cosmic winds ain’t local, they’re everywhere!” Expands our galactic horizons, ya know?
the MUSE thingy is a real game changer, ya know? It helps us see these super faint winds that’re hard to spot otherwise. Way to go science peeps!
So, these winds, they’re like matter highways between galaxies, cool! Wonder how far they go and what they carry. More cosmic mysteries to solve!