A team of astronomers has achieved an impressive feat in the field of space science. The largest map of quasars, which provides data on about 1.3 million of these phenomena, was created in a recent publication in the Astrophysical Journal. This advance could help unravel mysteries related to dark matter and the expansion of the universe.
Using a trio of powerful telescopes – Gaia, the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey – scientists were able to capture and analyze information from these quasars with unprecedented precision. But do you know what exactly a quasar is? Let us explain.
Understanding Quasars: Giants of the Universe
Quasars are essentially galactic nuclei energized by supermassive black holes. Although smaller than a galaxy, it shines brightly, making it one of the most luminous structures in the universe. These cosmic giants have a mass that can be millions or even billions of times greater than the mass of our Sun and play a crucial role in the shape of the galaxies surrounding them.
How was this discovery made?
Key to creating this comprehensive map was the researchers' ability to use images collected by the Gaia telescope, which, although focused on the Milky Way, takes images beyond it, allowing extragalactic objects to be identified. This, combined with data from the Wide Field Infrared Survey Explorer and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, has opened the door to a new understanding of the structure of the early universe and the distribution of dark matter.
The importance of quasars in understanding the universe
Kate Story-Fisher, the study's lead author and postdoctoral research fellow, highlights the impact this map will have on the scientific community. According to her, the study allows measurements of matter clusters in the early universe with an accuracy comparable to large-scale research projects. Moreover, researchers around the world use the quasar map to explore everything from density fluctuations responsible for the formation of the universe to analyzing cosmic voids and the motion of the solar system.
The map highlights the oldest quasar ever imaged, dating back to a time when the universe was only 1.5 billion years old, and is a gem for understanding cosmic evolution. The universe is currently estimated to be 13.7 billion years old, and this map serves as a time capsule, providing invaluable insights into cosmic history.
This discovery not only represents a major advance in astronomy, but also reinforces the importance of cooperation between different projects and telescopes. By joining forces and sharing data, scientists can more effectively explore the secrets of the universe, paving the way for new discoveries. This map of active quasars opens a new chapter in the quest to understand the structure and evolution of the universe, and promises to revolutionize our understanding of supermassive black holes and dark matter.
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