Context:
Recently, Astronomers discover new radio galaxy, J0011+3217 using LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR).
Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR):
- Currently the largest radio telescope operating at the lowest frequencies (30–300 kHz) that can be observed from Earth.
- Developed by – Dutch Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON) in 2012.
- Location – Netherlands (1000s of small antennas spread across Europe)
- 1st telescope that consists of a vast array of omnidirectional antennas.
- Uses –
- Observation of cosmic rays
- Mapping of the universe’s large-scale structure
- Study of transient astronomical phenomena
- Exploring the early universe and the formation of galaxies, stars, and black holes
- Recent Findings –
- The research revealed that the newfound galaxy, showcases peculiar features, including a one-sided secondary lobe.
- The finding noted that radio galaxy cores emit significant radio waves due to black holes accreting gas and dust, producing high-energy jets that accelerate charged particles, visible in radio wavelengths.
Radio galaxy:
- A type of active galaxy that emit more radio waves than visible light.
- Also known as radio-luminous or radio-loud galaxies.
- Powered by jets from supermassive black holes at the center of the galaxy, which interact with charged particles and strong magnetic fields to create radio emissions.
- These emissions form giant regions called radio lobes that extend beyond the visible structure of the galaxy, often in pairs.
- Features –
- Much larger than most other galaxies
- Almost always large elliptical galaxies.
- Examples –
- Cygnus A (1st radio galaxy) – One of the brightest radio galaxies in the sky, known for its large and powerful radio lobes.
- Centaurus A – A nearby radio galaxy that is also a source of X-rays and gamma rays.
Source: WION
Previous Year Question
Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant ‘blackholes’ billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) A ‘Higgs boson particles’ were detected.
(b) ‘Gravitational waves’ were detected.
(c) Possibility of inter-galactic space travel through Svormhole’ was confirmed.
(d) It enabled the scientists to understand ‘singularity’.
Answer: (b)
