Perth, Australia – Scientists in Australia have unveiled the first high-resolution image of a massive galactic explosion, shedding light on the chemical composition of intergalactic space. The groundbreaking discovery, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, showcases a gas outflow in galaxy NGC 4383 within the Virgo cluster, so immense that it would take light 20,000 years to cross from one side to the other.
Lead author Adam Watts, from the University of Western Australia’s node at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), explained that the gas outflow stemmed from powerful stellar explosions in the galaxy’s central regions. The ejected mass of gas, equivalent to over 50 million suns, is rich in heavy elements, offering a rare glimpse into the intricate process of mixing hydrogen and metals in outflowing gas.
Scientists were able to detect a range of chemical elements in the outflow, including oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. These gas outflows play a crucial role in regulating star formation within galaxies, as well as polluting the space between stars and galaxies, impacting the evolution of these cosmic structures indefinitely.
A high-resolution map detailing the galactic explosion was constructed using data from the MAUVE survey, a program led by ICRAR researchers Barbara Catinella and Luca Cortese at the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in northern Chile. Catinella emphasized the importance of understanding how gas outflows influence star formation in galaxies, expressing excitement over the unexpected findings in NGC 4383.
The MAUVE survey aims to provide a deeper understanding of gas outflows in the local Universe, offering unprecedented insights into the role of these phenomena in shaping the cosmos. By unraveling the complex interactions between gas, stars, and galaxies, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms driving the evolution of the universe. This groundbreaking research marks a significant advancement in our knowledge of galactic processes and the cosmic environment.