Astronomers Find Metal-Rich Distant Galaxy

[telfrow]

<i>Astronomers, using the unique capabilities offered by the high-resolution spectrograph UVES on ESO's Very Large Telescope, have found a metal-rich hydrogen cloud in the distant universe. The result may help to solve the missing metal problem and provides insight on how galaxies form. <br /><br />"Our discovery shows that significant quantities of metals are to be found in very remote galaxies that are too faint to be directly seen", said Céline Péroux (ESO), lead-author of the paper presenting the results. <br /><br />The astronomers studied the light emitted by a quasar located 9 billion light-years away that is partially absorbed by an otherwise invisible galaxy sitting 6.3 billion light-years away along the line of sight. <br /><br />The analysis of the spectrum shows that this galaxy has four times more metals than the Sun. This is the first time one finds such a large amount of 'metals' in a very distant object. The observations also indicate that the galaxy must be very dusty. </i><br /><br />Full Story Here <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <strong><font color="#3366ff">Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will to strive, to seek, to find and not to yeild.</font> - <font color="#3366ff"><em>Tennyson</em></font></strong> </div>

 

[alokmohan]

And Zubrin may write big book to justify.

 

[cosmodude]

this is not a new theory<br />we have known for years where metal came from<br />it would have ben a nova that is now forming into a new solar system

 

[thebigcat]

What does it say, 6.3 billion light-years disdant. 6.3 billion years hardly counts as "infancy of the universe". The question facing astronomers is not why there are metals heavier than iron in the clouds, but why they are in greater concentrations that expected and how their presence might solve a quandary inre the amount of metals predicted by theoretical models.<br /><br />A mildly interesting bit of cosmology, IMHO. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[why06]

You know what this also means...<br />If there was any chance of finding intelligent life it might come from here....Just Saying!<font color="yellow"></font> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <div>________________________________________ <br /></div><div><ul><li><font color="#008000"><em>your move...</em></font></li></ul></div> </div>

 

[robnissen]

"If there was any chance of finding intelligent life it might come from here."<br /><br />Cool, I propose immediately transmitting a message to that galaxy to let them know we are here. When they get that message, they can immediately transmit back, and in just 12.6 Billion years we will know we are not alone in the universe. Uh.....maybe not.

 

[thebigcat]

Hey Rob, did you ever notice that the phraze "just sayin'" usually implies "not thinkin'"? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>