A team of astronomers has discovered a previously unknown population of “hidden” galaxies that could rewrite our understanding of galactic evolution. The find, led by the Science and Technology Facilities Council, challenges existing models of galaxy development and distribution.
Using the Herschel Space Telescope, the researchers created the deepest image ever taken at far infrared wavelengths. By analyzing nearly 2,000 distant galaxies, they identified possible evidence of hidden galaxies that were previously undetectable.
According to Dr. Chris Pearson, lead author of the study, the work pushes the limits of Herschel Space Observatory science and potentially reveals a new population of galaxies contributing to the faintest observable light in the Universe.
The team achieved this breakthrough by combining 141 images from the SPIRE instrument aboard the Herschel Space Telescope. This allowed them to identify dustiest galaxies where star formation predominantly occurs, as well as analyze how galaxy numbers vary with brightness.
However, the incredible depth of the image caused some galaxies to merge and become indistinguishable. To overcome this challenge, MIT PhD student Thomas Varnish applied statistical analysis techniques to the most blurry areas and discovered possible evidence of previously unknown faint galaxies hidden in the image blur.
If confirmed, these galaxies would fundamentally challenge existing models of galactic numbers and evolution. Further research is required using other wavelength-based telescopes to confirm the new galaxy group and understand more about these faint objects.
The discovery also has implications for understanding the Universe’s energy budget. By accounting for the missing infrared radiation, scientists may finally solve an ongoing mystery that has puzzled them for years.
Source: https://www.universetoday.com/articles/astronomers-think-theyve-found-the-universes-missing-infrared-light