The Earliest Quiescent – Researchers Reveal Traits of Ancient Galaxy 25 Billion Light-Years Away

by Liam O'Connor
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Earliest Quiescent Galaxy

Researchers have unveiled fascinating details about GS-9209, an ancient galaxy located a staggering 25 billion light-years away. This remarkable discovery was made possible through the utilization of the James Webb Space Telescope. GS-9209 is a unique find as it represents the earliest known quiescent galaxy, originating approximately 600 to 800 million years after the Big Bang and ceasing star production half a billion years later. Although smaller in size compared to the Milky Way, GS-9209 possesses a similar number of stars and houses a surprisingly large central supermassive black hole, five times larger than expected. It is believed that this colossal black hole may have played a crucial role in suppressing star formation by emitting high-energy radiation, which expelled galactic gas. The unveiling of GS-9209’s properties has shed new light on the early stages of galaxy formation and further substantiated the theory that supermassive black holes contribute to the cessation of star production in early galaxies. This groundbreaking research not only expands our understanding of the cosmos but also underscores the immense capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope.

What is GS-9209?

GS-9209 is an ancient galaxy located 25 billion light-years away from Earth. It is the earliest known quiescent galaxy, which means it stopped forming stars. Despite being smaller than the Milky Way, it contains a similar number of stars and a central supermassive black hole that is five times larger than expected.

How was GS-9209 discovered?

GS-9209 was discovered by researchers from Edinburgh using the James Webb Space Telescope. This powerful telescope provided detailed observations of the galaxy, revealing its properties and shedding light on its formation and characteristics.

What is a quiescent galaxy?

A quiescent galaxy is a type of galaxy that has ceased star formation. In the case of GS-9209, star production stopped approximately half a billion years after its formation. Understanding quiescent galaxies helps us learn more about the factors and processes that influence the evolution of galaxies over cosmic timescales.

How far is GS-9209 from Earth?

GS-9209 is located 25 billion light-years away from Earth. It’s important to note that due to the expansion of the universe, the light from the galaxy took about 12.5 billion years to reach us. This vast distance allows scientists to study galaxies from the early universe and gain insights into the early stages of cosmic evolution.

What role does the supermassive black hole in GS-9209 play?

The discovery of a supermassive black hole in GS-9209 raises questions about its impact on star formation. It is believed that the black hole’s growth released high-energy radiation that heated up and expelled galactic gas, which may have halted star formation in the galaxy. This finding supports the idea that supermassive black holes can influence the evolution of galaxies.

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