As part of the Cristal (CII solved ISM with Star Forming Galaxies using Alma) Investigation, astronomers examined the universe when it was merely a billion years old.
This artist’s impression illustrates masses of star-forming galaxies in the early universe, featuring dark dust marked in red and carbon gases depicted in black. These details have been extensively documented across multiple galaxies in Alma’s Cristal Survey. Image credits: NSF/AUI/NRAO/B. SAXTON.
“Alma’s remarkable capability to penetrate dust and gas enabled us to observe these distant galaxies with astonishing detail,” stated Dr. Rodrigo Ignacio Herrera Camus.
“We’re not merely examining the light emissions. We’re investigating the internal structures of these galaxies and uncovering the processes that transpire within them.”
In the Cristal Survey, astronomers concentrated on a sample of star-forming galaxies exhibiting a conventional relationship between galaxy mass and star formation rate.
Alma’s observations indicated that some galaxies displayed signs of organized rotation, hinting at the formation of early discs, while others exhibited chaotic movements and distorted shapes, indicative of collisions and mergers.
Alma also identified clouds of gas revealed through specific light emissions from ionized carbon, extending far beyond the stellar formation regions. This suggests that the galaxies are enveloped by expansive gas reservoirs, possibly fueling future star formation or being ejected by powerful outflows.
Numerous galaxies displayed star formation occurring in distinct clumps, providing deeper insights into the birth of stars within these early systems.
A portrait of an early galactic layer family, as detailed in a study of the Cristal program. Image credit: Cristal large program.
One particularly intriguing discovery was the identification of an early galaxy known as Cristal-10.
This galaxy shows a significant deficiency in ionized carbon emissions in comparison to its distant light, similar to the characteristics observed in ARP 220, one of the brightest and most concealed galaxies in the local universe.
Subsequent investigations into this galaxy may illuminate the nature and physical state of early interstellar media in the universe.
“Cristal offers detailed data that was unattainable before Alma,” Dr. Herrera Camus remarked.
“I’ve gained a new family portrait of early galactic evolution.”
“These findings challenge existing galaxy formation models and open up new research avenues.”
“The Cristal investigation highlights Alma’s power in studying galaxy evolution during the early universe.”
“By tracing the cold gases and dust that fuel star formation, Alma assists scientists in constructing narratives of how our own Milky Way galaxy developed.”
Source: www.sci.news
