According to Space.com, a radio signal from a distance of 9 billion light-years has been captured and recorded, setting a new milestone in scientific achievement.
The radio signal was detected at a specific wavelength known as the “21cm line” or “hydrogen line.” This wavelength is emitted by neutral hydrogen atoms.
This radio signal assists scientists in investigating the formation of some of the earliest stars and galaxies. (Image: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI)
The signal was captured by the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope in India, enabling scientists to investigate the earliest formation of stars and galaxies.
Researchers discovered the radio signal emanating from a “star-forming galaxy” designated as SDSSJ0826+5630. The signal was emitted when the galaxy was only 4.9 billion years old. Presently, the galaxy is 13.8 billion years old and is located where Earth resides.
“It’s like looking back in time 8.8 billion years,” said Dr. Arnab Chakraborty, the lead author of this discovery and an astrophysicist at McGill University (Canada).
Galaxies emit light across a range of radio wavelengths. However, until recently, only the 21cm wavelength has been capable of capturing signals from nearby galaxies.
Dr. Chakraborty explained, “Different types of radio signals are emitted by galaxies. Until now, we have only captured this particular signal from nearby galaxies. This provides us with insights into galaxies closer to Earth.”
The signal allows astronomers to measure the amount of gas in galaxies, enabling them to determine the mass of the galaxy.
The findings indicate that this distant galaxy has a mass twice that of visible stars from Earth, as concluded by the scientists.