A groundbreaking discovery has emerged from the cosmos as astronomers have identified a colossal structure measuring approximately 50 million light years in length that is exhibiting rotation. This structure consists of a series of cosmic filaments, which are the largest known formations in the universe, made up of galaxies and dark matter. The findings were led by a team from the University of Oxford and reveal new insights into the dynamics of galaxy formation.
The structure contains 14 hydrogen-rich galaxies arranged in an extraordinarily thin line measuring just 5.5 million light years long and only 117,000 light years wide. This unique alignment is embedded within a much larger cosmic filament that hosts over 280 galaxies. What sets this discovery apart is not only its vast size but also the organized motion of the galaxies within it, which are predominantly spinning in the same direction as the filament itself.
Revealing the Rotation
Detailed analysis indicates that the entire structure is rotating, a finding substantiated by observing the movement of galaxies on either side of the filament’s central axis, which rotate in opposing directions. The research team employed models of filament dynamics to calculate a rotation velocity of 110 kilometres per second and estimated the radius of the filament’s dense core to be approximately 163,000 light years. This dual motion—where individual galaxies spin while the entire structure rotates—provides valuable insights into how galaxies acquire their angular momentum.
Current theories suggest that galaxies typically gain their spin from interactions with nearby structures, but this recent discovery indicates that large-scale rotation can have a more significant and prolonged influence on galaxy spins than previously understood.
A Window into Cosmic Evolution
The filament appears to be in an early stage of evolution. Its large population of gas-rich galaxies and low internal motion, referred to by astronomers as “dynamically cold,” imply that it has remained relatively undisturbed since its formation. The abundance of hydrogen-rich galaxies is particularly significant for understanding gas flow along cosmic filaments, as atomic hydrogen serves as the essential fuel for star formation and is sensitive to motion.
The findings are a product of a collaborative effort that combined data from South Africa’s MeerKAT Radio Telescope with optical observations from various surveys mapping the Cosmic Web. This multi-wavelength approach successfully revealed the coherent spin alignment of galaxies and the overall rotation of the structure, demonstrating the power of using diverse telescopes to uncover cosmic phenomena that might remain hidden to any single instrument.
This discovery not only expands our understanding of cosmic structures but also highlights the intricate dynamics of how galaxies evolve and interact within the vast universe. As research continues, the implications of this spinning structure may alter existing theories on galaxy formation and the role of cosmic filaments in shaping the universe.