BRI 1335-0417 is the oldest, farthest known spiral galaxy in the Universe, having formed more than 12 billion years ago. Researchers have recently been able to study this ancient galaxy in great detail, thanks to the use of a cutting-edge telescope known as ALMA.
The rapid generation of stars and unique structural features of this ancient spiral galaxy have provided important new insights into the early stages of galaxy formation. This discovery is significant not only for understanding the origins of distant galaxies, but also for shedding light on the formation and ancestry of our own Milky Way galaxy.
Lead author Dr Takafumi Tsukui explained that the researchers were particularly interested in studying the movement of gas within the galaxy, as gas is a critical component in the formation of stars. Through their observations, the scientists were able to record the mobility of the gas surrounding BRI 1335-0417 and detect the formation of a seismic wave, which is unprecedented for a galaxy of this age.
The disc of the galaxy is described as a flattened mass of whirling gas, dust, and stars that moves in a manner similar to ripples forming on a pond when a stone is tossed in.
This groundbreaking research has opened up new avenues for understanding the early universe and the processes that led to the formation of galaxies billions of years ago. The insights gained from studying BRI 1335-0417 will undoubtedly contribute to our overall understanding of the cosmos and our place within it.