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Galactic “Bullying” Observed: Quasar Radiation Disrupts Star Formation in Neighboring Galaxy

Atacama,Chile – In a groundbreaking finding,astronomers using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter array (ALMA) and the European Southern Observatory’s Vrey Large Telescope (VLT) have directly observed a quasar’s radiation impacting the structure of a nearby galaxy,suppressing star formation. The findings, published this week, offer unprecedented insight into the violent interactions between galaxies and the role of supermassive black holes in galactic evolution.

The observed interaction involves a quasar – a highly luminous active galactic nucleus powered by a supermassive black hole – and a companion galaxy approximately 12 billion light-years away. Researchers found that the quasar’s intense radiation is weakening the gas and dust within the companion galaxy, hindering its ability too form new stars. This process effectively “starves” the galaxy of future stellar births.

“This is the first time we’ve seen the direct affect of a quasar’s radiation on the internal structure of gas within an otherwise typical galaxy,” explains Dr. Annagrazia puglisi, lead author of the study and researcher at the University of Nottingham. “These galactic mergers are believed to funnel considerable amounts of gas towards the supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies, fueling their immense energy output.”

The quasar, designated as PSO J0309+27, is powered by a black hole with a mass estimated to be several billion times that of our Sun. The companion galaxy, currently unnamed in official reports, is experiencing a notable reduction in its star formation rate due to the influx of high-energy radiation. The ALMA observations revealed disruptions in the molecular gas clouds, the birthplaces of stars, within the affected galaxy.

While such intergalactic interactions are common in the early universe,directly observing their effects has been challenging due to the vast distances involved. The combined power of ALMA and the VLT,located in the Atacama Desert of Chile,allowed astronomers to overcome these obstacles.

The study highlights a feedback mechanism were the quasar’s activity not only consumes fuel but also actively suppresses star formation in its surroundings. This process plays a crucial role in regulating galactic growth and evolution. The observed “cosmic joust,” as some astronomers have termed it,demonstrates a dynamic interplay between supermassive black holes and their host galaxies.

Understanding these interactions is vital for comprehending the formation and evolution of galaxies throughout cosmic history. The research team plans to continue observing PSO J0309+27 and similar systems to further refine their models of galactic evolution.

Though these events occur billions of light-years away, the findings offer a relatable outlook on the often-violent processes shaping the universe.

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