Unexpected Rotational Motion Detected in Ultra-Diffuse Galaxies of Hydra Cluster
Astronomers have identified unusual patterns of movement in a class of faint galaxies known as Ultra-Diffuse Galaxies (UDGs) within the Hydra cluster, located around 160 million light-years away. These small and dim galaxies, previously thought to have a random internal motion, have exhibited rotational movement in nearly half of the observed cases. The findings challenge prior theories regarding their formation and evolution, prompting a re-evaluation of the mechanisms shaping these galaxies. The research, based on spectroscopic data, provides new insights into the role of environment and gravitational interactions in the development of UDGs.
Rotational Motion Challenges Existing Theories
According to the two studies published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, data was gathered from 30 UDGs using the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) on the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile. The study, conducted under the LEWIS (Looking into the faintest With MUSE) programme, enabled astronomers to analyse stellar motions in unprecedented detail. A significant number of UDGs displayed organised rotation rather than the expected chaotic movement. This suggests that these galaxies may have formed through interactions with larger galaxies, possibly via tidal forces stripping gas and stars from massive neighbours, leading to the creation of rotating ultra-diffuse systems.
Key Observations in UDG32 and Environmental Influence
A particularly detailed analysis was conducted on UDG32, a galaxy positioned at the tip of a filament extending from the spiral galaxy NGC 3314A. Spectroscopic data indicated that this was not a mere alignment but a direct interaction. The presence of metal-rich stars in UDG32, younger than those in other Hydra cluster UDGs, supports the hypothesis that material from a larger galaxy was involved in its formation. This suggests that UDGs may form in diverse environments, influenced by their surroundings in ways not previously accounted for.
Significance of the Findings
As reported, Chiara Buttitta, researcher at the National Institute for Astrophysics and co-author of the study, stated that the ability to determine stellar motions in such faint galaxies was a breakthrough. The study’s lead, Enrichetta Iodice, highlighted that the LEWIS programme has significantly expanded the number of spectroscopically analysed UDGs, offering a broader perspective on their formation. These findings contribute to an evolving understanding of galactic structures, reinforcing the importance of gravitational interactions in shaping the cosmos.
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Helium-3, a rare isotope formed during the early solar system, may be locked within Earth’s solid core, as indicated by recent research. This discovery could provide insights into how quickly the planet was formed. Unlike helium-4, which is commonly produced through radioactive decay, helium-3 originates from the primordial gas cloud that shaped the solar system. While traces of this isotope have been detected in volcanic hotspots and mid-ocean ridges, the mechanism behind its retention for billions of years remains uncertain. Given helium’s volatile nature, most of it was expected to escape Earth’s mantle due to tectonic activity or the giant impact that led to the formation of the Moon.
Helium and Iron Interaction at Core Conditions
According to the study published in Physical Review Letters, researchers at the University of Tokyo led by Kei Hirose examined whether helium could mix with iron under conditions mimicking Earth’s core. Using a diamond-tipped anvil, the team subjected iron and helium to extreme pressures ranging from 50,000 to 550,000 times the atmospheric pressure at Earth’s surface. As per reports, the samples were heated to temperatures between 727 and 2,727 degrees Celsius before being depressurised and analysed at cryogenic temperatures to prevent helium escape. Findings indicated that solid iron could incorporate up to 3.3 percent helium, suggesting the isotope may remain trapped in the core over long periods.
Potential Impact on Earth’s Formation Timeline
Peter Olson, a geophysicist at the University of New Mexico, told that these results confirm helium’s compatibility with Earth’s solid core. However, he noted that only 4 percent of the core is solid, with the majority existing in a liquid state. Further research is needed to determine whether helium-3 could be similarly retained in the liquid portion. Olson also highlighted the significance of this discovery in dating Earth’s formation. If helium-3 was incorporated into the core, it suggests the planet formed rapidly within a few million years. A slower formation process spanning 100 million years would likely have resulted in minimal helium retention.
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The scheduled test flight of SpaceX’s Starship Flight 8, which was expected to take off from the company’s Starbase facility in Texas on March 3, has been postponed due to last-minute technical issues. The launch was planned within a window starting at 6:30 p.m. ET with a mission to test various aspects of the rocket’s performance, including booster recovery and satellite deployment. SpaceX has not yet announced a new launch date, but updates are expected soon. The flight was set to be the eighth major test for Starship, which is designed to be the most powerful rocket ever built.
Starship’s Mission and Test Objectives
As per reports, the flight plan, Starship was expected to launch atop its Super Heavy booster, which was intended to return to the launch pad and be caught by the “chopstick” arms of the tower. The upper stage of the rocket was set to release four mock versions of SpaceX’s Starlink satellites on a suborbital trajectory before splashing down in the Indian Ocean approximately 66 minutes after liftoff. A similar test conducted on January 16 with Flight 7 saw the successful recovery of the booster, but the upper stage failed due to a propellant leak, leading to an explosion before it could complete its mission.
NASA’s Interest and Future Developments
NASA has selected Starship as the lunar lander for the Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon in the coming years. The vehicle is also being developed for deep-space missions, including potential crewed journeys to Mars. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has indicated that future iterations of Starship may be even larger than the current model, which stands at 123 metres. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to grant approval for up to 25 Starship launches in 2025, marking a significant step toward the rocket’s operational use.
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