Telescopes spy a monster radio jet streaming from early object in the universe

ABC News - Feb 6th, 2025

Astronomers have discovered a colossal radio jet streaming from a quasar that dates back to the first billion years of the universe's existence. This radio jet, observed to be double the width of the Milky Way, is the largest ever detected from such an early period in cosmic history. Its detection was facilitated by telescopes around the world, including those in Europe, Hawaii, and Texas, and the findings have been published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters. The quasar, whose jet spans at least 200,000 light-years, was formed when the universe was just 9% of its current age, highlighting the extremity of the object, which allows it to be observed despite its immense distance from Earth.

The discovery of this massive radio jet provides significant insights into the early universe, where such phenomena have been rare due to the obscuring effects of the cosmic microwave background. Quasars, known for their extreme luminosity due to gas and dust falling into a black hole, are crucial for understanding the energy dynamics of galactic cores. The quasar in question has a mass equivalent to 450 million times that of our sun, although the black hole at its core is not particularly massive. This discovery marks a breakthrough in the study of the early universe, offering a glimpse into the energetic processes occurring at that time and opening up new avenues for research into the formation and evolution of galaxies.

Quasar Radio Jet Early Universe Cosmic Microwave Background Anniek Gloudemans National Science Foundation Noir Lab Astrophysical Journal Letters

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

8.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article is a well-researched and accurately reported piece on a significant astronomical discovery. It effectively communicates complex scientific information to a general audience while maintaining high standards of accuracy and clarity. The use of reputable sources and expert statements enhances its credibility. While the article primarily focuses on the discovery itself, it could benefit from exploring broader implications and perspectives. Overall, it is a commendable piece that contributes to public understanding of the universe's early history and ongoing scientific exploration.

Accuracy

The story is highly accurate, with most claims substantiated by credible sources. The discovery of a large radio jet from a quasar in the early universe is supported by multiple scientific reports and publications, confirming its size and age. The article accurately reports the quasar’s mass and the involvement of various observatories, aligning with the information from scientific journals. There are no significant inaccuracies, but the exact mechanisms behind the jet formation could benefit from further research.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including statements from a lead author and referencing contributions from multiple observatories. However, it primarily focuses on the scientific discovery without exploring alternative perspectives or implications for the broader scientific community. Including viewpoints from other experts in the field could enhance the balance further.

Clarity

The article is well-written, with a clear and logical structure. It explains complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner, making it easy for a general audience to understand. The use of analogies, such as comparing the size of the radio jet to the Milky Way, aids comprehension. The tone is neutral and informative.

Source quality

The article cites reputable sources, including the National Science Foundation's NoirLab and the Astrophysical Journal Letters, which are authoritative in the field of astronomy. The involvement of multiple observatories adds to the credibility. The sources are reliable, and there are no apparent conflicts of interest affecting the impartiality of the report.

Transparency

The article is transparent in disclosing the sources of information, including the lead author and participating observatories. However, it could provide more context on how the discovery was made and the methodology used in the research. This would offer readers a clearer understanding of the scientific process behind the findings.