“`html
The four galaxies freshly identified (denoted within the boxes) showcase a compilation of unique traits, reminding researchers of the challenge inherent in classifying platypuses. The galaxies were located in past data from the James Webb Space Telescope.(Image credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Steve Finkelstein)ShareShare by:
- Copy link
- X
Share this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletter
A recent classification of celestial objects labeled “platypus galaxies” is proving difficult to decipher.
These nine curious cosmic entities, identified within archived information from the James Webb Space Telescope, are not easily described due to their characteristics. They are of modest size and density, yet they do not seem to contain lively supermassive black holes or be quasars; considerable black holes that shine as brightly as galaxies, according to fresh investigation.
The scientists have named these cosmic anomalies “platypus galaxies” because, akin to platypuses — unusual egg-laying mammals — they are hard to categorize, explained Haojing Yan, an astronomer from the University of Missouri who oversaw the team, during the presentation of these discoveries at the 247th conference of the American Astronomical Society held in Phoenix this week.
You may like
-
‘Puzzling’ object discovered by James Webb telescope may be the earliest known galaxy in the universe
-
‘Not so exotic anymore’: The James Webb telescope is unraveling the truth about the universe’s first black holes
-
James Webb telescope finds that galaxies in the early universe were much more chaotic than we thought
“The detailed genetic blueprint of a platypus furnishes supplementary information that displays precisely how remarkable the creature is, as it shares genetic qualities with birds, reptiles, and mammals,” Yan mentioned in a declaration clarifying the analysis, accessible as a preprint through arXiv. “In tandem, Webb’s images and spectra are notifying us that these galaxies bear an unexpected merging of elements.”
Examining this compilation of galactic attributes, he continued, resembles observing a platypus. “You would assume that such elements shouldn’t coexist, but there it is right before you, and it’s incontrovertible,” he stated.
By way of illustration, classic quasars — exceptionally radiant and high-energy objects — exhibit emission lines within their spectra that vaguely mirror hills. The spectra also suggest that gas is swiftly orbiting around a supermassive black hole at the center.
Conversely, the nine lately detected galaxies possess narrow and precise spectra, indicating a more gradual movement of gas. Despite certain galaxies displaying narrow and precise spectra featuring supermassive black holes at their cores, these novel galaxies, dissimilar to that grouping, lack a “point-like” appearance within the imagery.
So, granted that these enigmatic entities aren’t quasars and lack supermassive black holes, what could they be? One likelihood is that they epitomize a recently noticed category of star-spawning galaxies prevalent in the nascent universe, which JWST is tailored to observe.
However, even this probability bewilders the team, as stated by co-investigator Bangzheng Sun, a postgraduate student at the University of Missouri, within the same announcement.
“From the low-resolution spectra procured, we cannot dismiss the possibility that the nine entities are star-forming galaxies,” Sun said. “This data aligns. The conundrum, under such circumstances, lies in the diminutive and dense nature of these galaxies, particularly given Webb’s superior resolving capacity to present extensive specifics even at such distances.”
If such is the case, it could be that JWST is observing an even earlier type of galaxy than previously sighted. Should JWST be truly capturing this, Yan reflected, there could be more insights to unearth regarding galactic evolution.
RELATED STORIES
—’How can all of this be happening?’: Scientists spot massive group of ancient galaxies so hot they shouldn’t exist
—James Webb telescope finds that galaxies in the early universe were much more chaotic than we thought
—’Puzzling’ object discovered by James Webb telescope may be the earliest known galaxy in the universe
“I believe this recent analysis is confronting us with the question of where the process of galaxy birth originates,” Yan stated. “Is it conceivable that such minute, foundational galaxies emerge in a calm manner, predating the onset of disruptive mergers, as their pinpoint appearance hints at?”
The team mentioned that an expanded array of galactic samples would be needed to advance the research. Fortunately, JWST is still in its preliminary phase of observational capability. The telescope was deployed in 2021 and is anticipated to function for a minimum of 15 more years from its location in deep space, scrutinizing far-off celestial objects from the early cosmos.
Elizabeth HowellLive Science Contributor
Elizabeth Howell functioned as a staff journalist at Space.com between 2022 and 2024 and contributed consistently to Live Science and Space.com from 2012 to 2022. Her journalism features numerous exclusive exchanges with the White House, engaging with the International Space Station on several occasions, witnessing five human spaceflight inaugurations spanning two continents, undertaking parabolic flight, operating within a spacesuit, and partaking in a simulated mission to Mars. Her recently launched literary work, “Why Am I Taller?” (ECW Press, 2022) is co-authored alongside astronaut Dave Williams.
Show More Comments
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
LogoutRead more
‘Not so exotic anymore’: The James Webb telescope is unraveling the truth about the universe’s first black holes
James Webb telescope finds supermassive black hole hidden inside ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ galaxy
Hubble telescope discovers ‘Cloud-9,’ a dark and rare ‘failed galaxy’ that’s unlike anything seen before
James Webb telescope may have discovered the earliest, most distant black hole ever seen
Rarrr! James Webb telescope spots ‘monster stars’ leaking nitrogen in the early universe
‘What the heck is this?’ James Webb telescope spots inexplicable planet with diamonds and soot in its atmosphere
Latest in Astronomy
James Webb telescope confirms a supermassive black hole running away from its host galaxy at 2 million mph, researchers say
Hubble telescope discovers ‘Cloud-9,’ a dark and rare ‘failed galaxy’ that’s unlike anything seen before
Giant sunspot that triggered recent solar ‘superstorm’ shot out nearly 1,000 flares and a secret X-rated explosion, record-breaking study reveals