Astronomers discover an ultra-massive grand-design spiral galaxy
Astronomers discovered Zhúlóng, the most distant spiral galaxy, with a mass similar to the Milky Way and a stellar disk of 62,000 light years, suggesting early galaxy formation post-Big Bang.
Read original article
Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have discovered a new ultra-massive grand-design spiral galaxy named Zhúlóng, which is believed to be the most distant spiral galaxy identified to date. This finding was part of the PANORAMIC survey and was detailed in a paper published on December 17, 2024. Zhúlóng, located at a photometric redshift of approximately 5.2, has a mass comparable to that of the Milky Way and features a classical bulge along with a stellar disk that extends 62,000 light years. The galaxy's arms are thought to be regions of star formation, and while it is still forming stars, its overall star-formation rate is relatively low at 66 solar masses per year. The study suggests that Zhúlóng's properties indicate that mature galaxies may have formed much earlier in the universe's history than previously thought, within the first billion years after the Big Bang. The discovery of Zhúlóng contributes to the understanding of the emergence of spiral galaxies in the early universe, which remains a topic of ongoing research.
- Zhúlóng is the most distant grand-design spiral galaxy discovered to date.
- The galaxy has a mass comparable to the Milky Way and features a stellar disk of 62,000 light years.
- It is located at a photometric redshift of approximately 5.2, indicating its formation within one billion years after the Big Bang.
- The discovery suggests that mature galaxies may have emerged earlier than previously believed.
- The study highlights the ongoing research into the formation and evolution of spiral galaxies in the early universe.
Related
Tiny bright objects discovered at dawn of universe baffle scientists
Scientists are baffled by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope discovery of ancient, massive galaxies with old stars and supermassive black holes, challenging existing cosmological theories. Further research aims to unveil their mysteries.
Black hole jets discovered that are 140 times larger than the Milky Way
Researchers discovered the largest black hole jets, extending 23 million light-years, formed by supermassive black holes. The LOFAR telescope identified over 11,000 jets, enhancing understanding of cosmic influences.
Stupendously Large: How big can black holes get?
Astronomers are discovering ultramassive black holes, significantly larger than supermassive ones, with Ton 618 being 66 billion solar masses. The James Webb Space Telescope aids in understanding their formation and origins.
The 'Beautiful Confusion' of the First Billion Years Comes into View
The James Webb Space Telescope has revealed unexpectedly bright and massive galaxies from the early universe, challenging cosmological models and prompting discussions on new theories regarding star formation and cosmic evolution.
James Webb Telescope discovers some quasars that seem to exist in isolation
Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope discovered ancient quasars in unexpected isolation, challenging existing theories about their formation and suggesting unknown mechanisms for their growth in the early universe.
0 commentsRelated
Tiny bright objects discovered at dawn of universe baffle scientists
Scientists are baffled by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope discovery of ancient, massive galaxies with old stars and supermassive black holes, challenging existing cosmological theories. Further research aims to unveil their mysteries.
Black hole jets discovered that are 140 times larger than the Milky Way
Researchers discovered the largest black hole jets, extending 23 million light-years, formed by supermassive black holes. The LOFAR telescope identified over 11,000 jets, enhancing understanding of cosmic influences.
Stupendously Large: How big can black holes get?
Astronomers are discovering ultramassive black holes, significantly larger than supermassive ones, with Ton 618 being 66 billion solar masses. The James Webb Space Telescope aids in understanding their formation and origins.
The 'Beautiful Confusion' of the First Billion Years Comes into View
The James Webb Space Telescope has revealed unexpectedly bright and massive galaxies from the early universe, challenging cosmological models and prompting discussions on new theories regarding star formation and cosmic evolution.
James Webb Telescope discovers some quasars that seem to exist in isolation
Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope discovered ancient quasars in unexpected isolation, challenging existing theories about their formation and suggesting unknown mechanisms for their growth in the early universe.