Latest news with #LOFAR
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Astonishing 'halo' of high-energy particles around giant galaxy cluster is a glimpse into the early universe
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A vast cloud of energetic particles surrounding a cluster of galaxies that existed around four billion years after the Big Bang could help scientists discover how the early universe took shape. But was the halo of the massive cluster of galaxies — called SpARCS104922.6+564032.5, and located 9.9 billion light-years from Earth— built by erupting supermassive black holes or a cosmic particle accelerator? This envelope of radio-emitting particles — a so-called "radio mini-halo," though it isn't really mini at all — is the most distant example of such a structure ever detected. Its distance is double that of the next farthest radio mini-halo, with its radio signal having taken 10 billion years to reach Earth — the majority of the universe's 13.8 billion-year lifespan. The discovery, made with the LOFAR (LOw Frequency ARray) radio instrument in Europe, indicates that galaxy clusters, which are some of the largest structures in the known universe, spend most of their existence wrapped in envelopes of high-energy particles. This insight gives scientists a better idea of how energy flows around galaxy clusters. And that in turn could improve our picture of cosmic evolution, study members said. "It's astonishing to find such a strong radio signal at this distance," study co-leader Roland Timmerman, an astronomer at Durham University in England, said in a statement. "It means these energetic particles and the processes creating them have been shaping galaxy clusters for nearly the entire history of the universe." The team posited two possible explanations for the formation of this mini-halo. One possibility is that the supermassive black holes at the hearts of the galaxies in the cluster are ejecting jets of high-energy particles and settling around their home cluster. One problem with this theory, however, is explaining how these particles have managed to maintain their energy as they take their place in a gigantic cloud. The second possible explanation is the existence of a natural particle collider around the galactic cluster. Particles in the hot ionized gas, or plasma, around the cluster may be slamming together at near light-speeds, resulting in the highly energetic particles in the halo. Related Stories: — This baby galaxy cluster is powering extreme star formation with a hidden fuel tank — Our expanding universe: Age, history & other facts — World's largest visible light telescope spies a galaxy cluster warping space-time The team behind the new research believes their results offer a rare chance to observe a galaxy cluster just after it has formed. It also suggests that galactic clusters are filled with energetic particles for billions of years longer than had previously been thought. And further study of this distant radio mini-halo should reveal just where these charged particles originated, according to the scientists. The team's research has been accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, with a preprint version available on the research repository arXiv.
New York Post
30-06-2025
- Science
- New York Post
Astronomers stumble upon ancient radio signals from distant galaxy cluster
Astronomers studying a distant galaxy cluster stumbled upon ancient radio signals that might hold clues to the formation of the early universe. While studying the distant galaxy cluster known as SpARCS1049, astronomers detected faint mysterious radio waves, according to a study published in TheAstrophysical Journal Letters and available on the pre-print server Xrxiv. The discovered radio waves, which took 10 billion years to reach Earth, originated from a vast region of space filled with high-energy particles and magnetic fields. These vast clouds of high-energy particles are known as a mini-halo. A mini-halo has never been detected this deep into space before, according to the study. Mini-halos are described in the study as faint groups of charged particles. These groups are known to emit both radio and X-ray waves. Mini-halos are typically found in clusters between galaxies. 4 The discovered radio waves originated from a vast region of space filled with high-energy particles and magnetic fields. Astrophysics of Galaxies Roland Timmerman of the Institute for Computational Cosmology of Durham University and co-author of the study said in a statement in how these particles are important for the creation of our universe. 'It's astonishing to find such a strong radio signal at this distance,' Timmerman said. 'It means these energetic particles and the processes creating them have been shaping galaxy clusters for nearly the entire history of the universe.' The astronomers analyzed data from the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) radio telescope. The LOFAR is made up of 100,000 small antennas across eight European countries, according to the study. 4 A mini-halo has never been detected this deep into space before, according to the study. Astrophysics of Galaxies The team of astronomers believes there are two causes for the makeup of these mini-halos. According to the study, the first explanation is supermassive black holes found at the heart of galaxies. These black holes can release high-energy particles into space. The astronomers are perplexed as to how these particles would escape such a powerful black hole to create these clusters. 4 The LOFAR is made up of 100,000 small antennas across eight European countries, according to the study. Chandra X-ray Center The second explanation, according to the study, is cosmic particle collisions. These cosmic particle collisions occur when charged particles filled with hot plasma collide at near-light speeds. These collisions smash apart, allowing the high-energy particles to be observed from Earth. According to the study, astronomers now believe that this discovery suggests that either black holes or particle collisions have been energizing galaxies earlier than previously believed. 4 The astronomers are perplexed as to how these particles would escape such a powerful black hole to create these clusters. Astrophysics of Galaxies New telescopes being developed like the Square Kilometer Array will eventually let astronomers detect even more faint signals. Julie Hlavacek-Larrondo from the University of Montreal and co-lead author of the study said in a statement she believes this is just the beginning to the wonders of space. 'We are just scratching the surface of how energetic the early universe really was,' Hlavacek-Larrondo said in the statement. 'This discovery gives us a new window into how galaxy clusters grow and evolve, driven by both black holes and high-energy particle physics.' Nick Butler is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Do you have any tips? Reach out to
Hans India
23-06-2025
- Science
- Hans India
Mysterious space signal every 2 hours reveals new star duo and stuns scientists
Astronomers have detected a highly unusual radio signal from deep space that repeats every two hours with astonishing precision. Tracked to the Ursa Major constellation, this regular cosmic pulse has defied traditional scientific explanations and led to the discovery of a never-before-seen binary star system. The strange phenomenon was observed using the LOFAR (Low Frequency Array) radio telescope, which picked up long-lasting radio bursts—different from the typical fast radio bursts (FRBs) that last milliseconds. These new signals stretch over several seconds and recur like clockwork every 125.5 minutes. At the heart of the mystery lies a binary system now named ILT J1101, made up of a white dwarf and a red dwarf locked in a tight orbit. These two stellar remnants orbit each other so closely that their magnetic fields interact violently, releasing powerful radio waves detectable across vast interstellar distances. Optical and spectroscopic studies confirmed the existence of this system and revealed the red dwarf's movement is being influenced by the hidden gravitational pull of its white dwarf partner. What makes this discovery truly groundbreaking is that white dwarfs—once thought incapable of generating long-duration radio pulses—have now been proven to emit them. This discovery shifts the paradigm of what types of celestial objects can produce repeating radio signals, expanding the focus beyond neutron stars and pulsars. The implications are enormous. Could this discovery be a key to decoding the origins of the elusive fast radio bursts that have puzzled astronomers for years? Researchers believe ILT J1101 could offer critical insights, especially since its predictable signals provide a unique laboratory to study magnetic interactions in compact binary systems. Scientists now plan to dive deeper into the ultraviolet spectrum to better understand the white dwarf's temperature, age, and evolution. These observations could further unravel the energy mechanics behind these pulses. Moreover, this discovery showcases the essential role of next-generation telescopes like LOFAR. Their sensitivity and resolution allow researchers to catch rare cosmic events that would have remained hidden from older technologies. As scientists continue to scan the skies for more such systems, the mystery of ILT J1101 reminds us how little we still know about our universe. Could more compact star duos like this be out there, quietly pulsing away? One thing is clear: the cosmos is far more dynamic—and surprising—than we imagined.
Sustainability Times
23-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'It's a Crazy, Unexplainable Signal From Space': Repeating Radio Burst Every 2 Hours Baffles Scientists and Reveals New Star System
IN A NUTSHELL 🔭 Detected by the LOFAR radio telescope, mysterious radio signals from Ursa Major repeat every two hours, defying traditional explanations. 🌌 The source is a binary system named ILT J1101, consisting of a white dwarf and a red dwarf in a tight orbit with intense magnetic interactions. and a in a tight orbit with intense magnetic interactions. 💡 This finding challenges existing models, revealing that not only neutron stars but also white dwarfs can emit long-duration radio pulses. can emit long-duration radio pulses. 🔍 The discovery opens new avenues for understanding fast radio bursts and the dynamics of binary star systems. The universe is a vast and mysterious expanse, full of phenomena that continue to intrigue scientists and astronomers. Among these phenomena is a series of radio signals that have been puzzling experts for over a decade. Originating from the constellation of Ursa Major, these signals repeat every two hours, challenging previously held astronomical theories. Detected by the LOFAR radio telescope, these signals differ from the known fast radio bursts (FRBs), as they last several seconds and occur with remarkable regularity. This article delves into the source of these enigmatic emissions and their implications for our understanding of the cosmos. A Binary System with Intense Magnetic Interactions At the heart of this cosmic puzzle is a binary system known as ILT J1101, consisting of a white dwarf and a red dwarf in a tight orbit around each other. Their complete revolution takes just 125.5 minutes, during which their magnetic fields collide, producing radio impulses detectable from Earth. Optical observations have confirmed the presence of these two stars, with the motion variations of the red dwarf measured through spectroscopy revealing the gravitational influence of the otherwise invisible white dwarf companion. This discovery marks a significant breakthrough, as it was previously thought that only neutron stars could emit long-duration radio pulses. The ILT J1101 binary system demonstrates that other compact objects, like white dwarfs, can also generate similar signals. This finding not only expands our understanding of binary star systems but also challenges existing models of stellar magnetic interactions. 'Earth Is Not Unique Anymore': Harvard Scientists Reveal Countless Earth-Like Planets Lurking in Distant Galaxies A Cosmic Mystery with Major Implications The regular radio pulses from ILT J1101 raise numerous questions about their origin. Are these emissions solely from the magnetic field of the white dwarf, or do they result from the interaction between the two stars? Researchers are actively investigating these hypotheses while searching for similar systems that could shed light on this phenomenon. This discovery could provide insights into the origins of some FRBs, those rapid radio bursts that remain poorly understood. It illustrates that binary systems with dead stars can generate powerful and regular radio emissions. Astronomers are eager to find other examples, hoping these will help unravel the complexities of such cosmic occurrences. Future research involves studying the system's ultraviolet emissions, which could reveal the temperature and history of the white dwarf, offering invaluable clues to solve this cosmic mystery. 'James Webb Spots Cosmic Shock': This Newly Found Ancient Structure Challenges Everything We Knew About the Early Universe Potential Insights into Fast Radio Bursts The nature of fast radio bursts has long eluded scientists, but the findings from ILT J1101 could offer new perspectives. By understanding how binary systems like ILT J1101 produce radio waves, scientists can explore whether similar mechanisms might be at play in other parts of the universe. The fact that a white dwarf-red dwarf system can produce such signals opens the door to reevaluating the sources of FRBs. With the potential to revolutionize our knowledge of radio astronomy, these findings suggest that several other compact binary systems might be waiting to be discovered. This prospect excites astronomers, as each system could provide unique data on magnetic field interactions and stellar evolution, ultimately contributing to a broader understanding of our universe's dynamics. 'Super-Earths Are Everywhere': New Study Reveals These Giant Alien Worlds Are Far More Common Than Scientists Ever Imagined The Role of Advanced Telescopes in Modern Astronomy The detection of the signals from ILT J1101 underscores the importance of advanced telescopes like LOFAR in modern astronomical research. These instruments allow scientists to observe the universe with unprecedented precision, capturing phenomena that were previously invisible. The capabilities of such telescopes are crucial for identifying and analyzing rare cosmic events, leading to groundbreaking discoveries. As technology continues to advance, telescopes will become even more powerful, enabling astronomers to delve deeper into the mysteries of the cosmos. This progress will not only enhance our understanding of known phenomena but also uncover new ones, pushing the boundaries of what we know about the universe. What other secrets might these powerful tools reveal in the coming years? The recent discoveries from ILT J1101 remind us of the vastness and complexity of our universe. They challenge existing theories and open new avenues for exploration in the field of radio astronomy. As we continue to unravel these cosmic mysteries, what other extraordinary phenomena might we encounter, and how will they reshape our understanding of the universe? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (28)
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Giant Jets Bigger Than The Milky Way Seen Shooting From Black Hole
A supermassive black hole in the early Universe has been spotted blasting out powerful jets of plasma that are at least twice as long as the Milky Way is wide. Its host galaxy is a quasar called J1601+3102, and we're seeing it as it was less than 1.2 billion years after the Big Bang. Spanning 215,000 light-years from end to end, this is the largest structure of its kind seen in those early stages of the Universe's formation, and astronomers think it can answer some questions about how they grow. "We were searching for quasars with strong radio jets in the early Universe, which helps us understand how and when the first jets are formed and how they impact the evolution of galaxies," explains astrophysicist Anniek Gloudemans of the National Science Foundation's NOIRLab. Jets are a particularly interesting supermassive black hole behavior. When there is enough material close to a supermassive black hole in the center of a galaxy, it swirls around, forming a disk of material that feeds into the black hole, drawn in by its extreme gravity. That feeding often produces a quasar, blazing with light as the swirling material is heated by friction and gravity to temperatures of millions of degrees. Not all the material falls onto the black hole beyond escape, though. Some of it gets diverted along the magnetic field lines outside the event horizon and accelerated to the black hole's poles, where it is launched into space with tremendous speed. These eruptions of material form jets, and they blast out into space for huge distances. The longest we've found to date are 23 million light-years from end to end, much later in the lifetime of the Universe. However, they only emit light in radio waves, which makes them a little tricky to see. To identify J1601+3102, Gloudemans and her colleagues had to combine observations from multiple telescopes, including the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) Telescope in Europe, Gemini North in Hawaii, and the optical Hobby-Eberly Telescope in Texas. These observations didn't just reveal the extent of J1601+3102's jets, they allowed the researchers to study the black hole. The amount of light emitted by the quasar activity can be analyzed to reveal the black hole's mass. It's just 450 million times the mass of the Sun, a relatively modest size for a quasar black hole. And it's not scarfing down matter at a particularly high rate, either. These properties suggest that quasars could be more varied than we generally assume. "Interestingly, the quasar powering this massive radio jet does not have an extreme black hole mass compared to other quasars," Gloudemans says. "This seems to indicate that you don't necessarily need an exceptionally massive black hole or accretion rate to generate such powerful jets in the early Universe." The discovery was detailed in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Humanity Has Just Glimpsed Part of The Sun We've Never Seen Before 'City-Killer' Asteroid Even More Likely to Hit The Moon in 2032 The Center of Our Universe Does Not Exist. A Physicist Explains Why.
