Dark Galaxies Spotted for the First Time

[Waspie_Dwarf]

Dark Galaxies of the Early Universe Spotted for the First Time

For the first time, dark galaxies — an early phase of galaxy formation, predicted by theory but unobserved until now — may have been spotted. These objects are essentially gas-rich galaxies without stars. Using ESO’s Very Large Telescope, an international team thinks they have detected these elusive objects by observing them glowing as they are illuminated by a quasar.

Dark galaxies are small, gas-rich galaxies in the early Universe that are very inefficient at forming stars. They are predicted by theories of galaxy formation and are thought to be the building blocks of today’s bright, star-filled galaxies. Astronomers think that they may have fed large galaxies with much of the gas that later formed into the stars that exist today.

Because they are essentially devoid of stars, these dark galaxies don’t emit much light, making them very hard to detect. For years astronomers have been trying to develop new techniques that could confirm the existence of these galaxies. Small absorption dips in the spectra of background sources of light have hinted at their existence. However, this new study marks the first time that such objects have been seen directly.

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[White Crane Feather]

Dark Galaxies of the Early Universe Spotted for the First Time

Unfortunately background light by the very reason they call these early galaxies should be at an earlyer stage of formation. If the quasar was in a parallel position and fairly close to give the bounce it needs..... Maby...