Recently, researchers at the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics - Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCRA–TIFR), Pune, made a groundbreaking discovery by identifying a spiral galaxy named Alaknanda.
The Alaknanda Galaxy is located approximately 12 billion light-years away and exhibits a classic spiral structure. It derives its name from the Alaknanda River in the Himalayas and the Hindi term for the Milky Way. This galaxy features two prominent spiral arms that elegantly wrap around a luminous central bulge, with a diameter of roughly 30,000 light-years.
Remarkably, Alaknanda is a hub of stellar creation, producing stars at an astonishing rate equivalent to about 60 solar masses each year. This galaxy bears a striking resemblance to our own Milky Way and is believed to have formed when the Milky Way was merely 10% of its current age. The discovery was made utilizing NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.
Spiral galaxies are intricate formations of stars and gas, often displaying stunning shapes. These galaxies are characterized by their spiral arms that extend outward from the center. Within a spiral galaxy, stars, gas, and dust are concentrated in these arms, creating a visually captivating structure.
Most spiral galaxies possess a central bulge encircled by a flat, rotating disk of stars. The central bulge consists of older, dimmer stars and is thought to harbor a supermassive black hole. Notably, around two-thirds of spiral galaxies, including the Milky Way, feature a bar structure through their center. The disk of stars orbiting the bulge is segmented into arms that encircle the galaxy. These spiral arms are rich in gas, dust, and younger stars, which shine brightly before their rapid demise.
Q1. What is the Alaknanda Galaxy?
Answer: The Alaknanda Galaxy is a newly discovered spiral galaxy located about 12 billion light-years away from Earth, exhibiting features similar to the Milky Way and forming stars at a high rate.
Q2. How was the Alaknanda Galaxy discovered?
Answer: It was discovered using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, which allowed researchers at NCRA–TIFR to analyze its spiral structure and stellar formation processes.
Q3. What are the characteristics of spiral galaxies?
Answer: Spiral galaxies are defined by their spiral arms, central bulge, and a rotating disk, often containing younger stars, gas, and dust, contributing to their stunning appearances.
Q4. Why is the Alaknanda Galaxy significant?
Answer: Its discovery enhances our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution, particularly as it formed when the Milky Way was much younger, providing insights into cosmic history.
Q5. What role does the James Webb Space Telescope play in astronomy?
Answer: The James Webb Space Telescope provides unprecedented observations in astronomy, allowing researchers to explore distant galaxies and understand their structures and life cycles better.
Question 1: What is the primary feature of spiral galaxies?
A) Random distribution of stars
B) Central bulge with spiral arms
C) No central structure
D) Only older stars
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How far is the Alaknanda Galaxy from Earth?
A) 1 billion light-years
B) 5 billion light-years
C) 12 billion light-years
D) 20 billion light-years
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Which telescope was used to discover the Alaknanda Galaxy?
A) Hubble Space Telescope
B) Spitzer Space Telescope
C) James Webb Space Telescope
D) Kepler Space Telescope
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What is the star formation rate of the Alaknanda Galaxy?
A) 10 solar masses annually
B) 30 solar masses annually
C) 60 solar masses annually
D) 100 solar masses annually
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What is a defining characteristic of the central bulge in spiral galaxies?
A) It contains only young stars
B) It is made of older, dimmer stars
C) It has no stars
D) It is the only structure in the galaxy
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: What does the term "supermassive black hole" refer to in the context of spiral galaxies?
A) A type of star
B) A dense region of gas
C) A massive black hole at the galaxy's center
D) A planet-like structure
Correct Answer: C
Question 7: Why are spiral galaxies visually captivating?
A) They have random shapes
B) They contain luminous stars and gas in spiral arms
C) They lack structure
D) They are only found near black holes
Correct Answer: B
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