Astronomers from the Subaru Telescope have made a groundbreaking discovery in their study of ancient galaxies. They have successfully measured the mass of dark matter haloes surrounding actively feeding supermassive black holes in the hearts of these galaxies. These black hole-powered regions, known as quasars, are extremely bright and are fueled by supermassive black holes consuming surrounding matter.
According to the research team, the dark matter haloes surrounding these active galaxies may play a crucial role in delivering matter to the central black hole, facilitating its growth. This feeding mechanism, the scientists believe, has remained consistent throughout the history of the universe. In their study, the team measured the typical mass of dark matter haloes surrounding quasars that existed 13 billion years ago and found it to be approximately 10 trillion times the mass of our sun.
The significance of this discovery lies in the indication of a characteristic dark matter halo mass that activates a quasar, regardless of when it formed. Understanding the role of dark matter in galaxy growth and the formation of stars can have a profound impact on our understanding of the early universe and the evolution of the cosmos.
However, studying dark matter remains a challenge due to its invisible nature and lack of interaction with light. Astronomers rely on inferring its presence through its gravitational effects on visible matter, such as stars and gas clouds. This becomes even more challenging when measuring the mass of dark matter in haloes around distant and early galaxies.
Nevertheless, the research team overcame these challenges by studying the brightness of hundreds of supermassive black holes fueling quasars. The light emitted by these ancient quasars traveled for up to 13 billion years, losing energy and stretching its wavelengths into infrared light. By measuring the degree of gravitational lensing caused by dark matter, the scientists were able to determine the mass of hidden dark matter in these galaxies.
The astronomical surveys conducted by the Subaru Telescope provided the necessary data for this study. The team now plans to expand their observations with future telescopes and satellites, hoping to gain further insights into the relationship between galaxies and supermassive black holes. This research will contribute to theories about the formation and growth of these cosmic phenomena.
In conclusion, the successful measurement of dark matter haloes surrounding actively feeding supermassive black holes in ancient galaxies is a significant breakthrough in the field of astronomy. It offers valuable insights into the interaction between dark matter and galaxies, shedding light on our understanding of the early universe and the evolution of the cosmos.
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