Scientists take a peek at cosmic web that helps form structures of the universe

Science & Tech 23:30 04.10.2019

The news may upset some believers in divine creation and conspiracy theorists, as scientists say the discovery gives credence to the idea that galaxies were formed by filaments of… gas.

An international team of astronomers has detected a cosmic web that is thought to provide a framework for the universe. According to the current theory, filaments of hydrogen gas, which form the cosmic web, provide fuel for the formation of stars and galaxies; however, scientists have never been able to prove this theory, as these clumps of gas are very faint and hence difficult to detect.

Using the Very Large Telescope in Chile, a team led by Dr Hideki Umehata examined a cluster of galaxies located about 12 billion light years away. Peering into them, they spotted faint filaments of gas that filled the space between the galaxies.

“We found galaxies and supermassive black holes formed along the filaments. They are fuelled by the cosmic web. This is the first time we really see the filaments connecting a number of galaxies”, said Dr Hideki Umehata.

It is thought that the cosmic web appeared several hundred million years ago after the Big Bang. Although the filaments of gas spotted by Dr Umehata and his team stretch for three million light years, they are just a small portion of the cosmic web.

"These observations represent a very important step in validating our theory of the assembly of galaxies, adding a key piece of the puzzle”, said Calvin Sykes, a PhD student who contributed to the study.

Slovakia’s prime minister injured in shooting - VIDEO

News line

Azerbaijan's embassy in Iran relocated to new venue
10:14 17.05.2024
FIFA to seek legal advice on Palestinian proposal to suspend Israel from international soccer
FIFA to seek legal advice on Palestinian proposal to suspend Israel from international soccer
10:00 17.05.2024
Yashar Aliyev presents invitation letter to COP29 addressed to President of Nauru
09:43 17.05.2024
Solar storm reaches depths of Earth's oceans
Solar storm reaches depths of Earth's oceans
09:17 17.05.2024
US under secretary of state discusses shared priorities and COP29 with Hikmat Hajiyev
09:02 17.05.2024
State reception on behalf of President Ilham Aliyev was hosted in honor of President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko at Gulustan Palace
22:20 16.05.2024
ECB warns Europe of negative risks due to high public debt
21:27 16.05.2024
France to send another 1,000 gendarmes to New Caledonia
21:00 16.05.2024
Netanyahu Says Israel Can 'Win' Fight Against Hamas in Gaza Without US Help
20:26 16.05.2024
Kazakhstan and Latvia agree on developing Middle Corridor
20:00 16.05.2024
2 Hezbollah fighters killed in Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon
19:30 16.05.2024
Climate activists dye luxury stores in Rome
19:00 16.05.2024
France to send another 1,000 gendarmes to New Caledonia
France to send another 1,000 gendarmes to New Caledonia
18:55 16.05.2024
Assessing Regional Protests: Expert Weighs Impact on Azerbaijan
18:30 16.05.2024
Incomes of Azerbaijani population rise by over 4%
18:00 16.05.2024
Azerbaijan uses colors in weather warning for first time
17:30 16.05.2024
Iran’s flood crisis: Rising waters claim lives
17:00 16.05.2024
Azerbaijani, Armenian parliament speakers have short conversation ahead of their main meeting
16:30 16.05.2024
Presidents of Azerbaijan and Belarus familiarize themselves with Caspian Agro and InterFood Azerbaijan exhibitions
16:00 16.05.2024
NGO chief: Armenia must obtain Azerbaijan's permission for cross-border mining activities
15:30 16.05.2024
Zelensky in Kharkiv: Situation 'difficult' but 'under control,' Russia suffers losses
15:00 16.05.2024
Azerbaijan and Belarus sign documents
14:41 16.05.2024
Insights from IEPF President Umud Mirzayev: Impact of Neighboring Processes on Azerbaijan
14:30 16.05.2024
Slovakia 'on the edge of civil war' from political tension, interior minister says
14:09 16.05.2024
Lukashenko: No closed topics in Belarus-Azerbaijan relations
13:56 16.05.2024
ADA University Hosts "Climate and Water Summit Towards COP29"
13:18 16.05.2024
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry retorts to French Minister of Interior
13:00 16.05.2024
Man arrested for threatening Serbian President Vucic
Man arrested for threatening Serbian President Vucic
12:48 16.05.2024
Kanako Mabuchi: UN fully committed to supporting COP29 Presidency
12:37 16.05.2024
MP Konul Nurullayeva: COP29 will rally nations worldwide to combat climate change
12:25 16.05.2024
Pashinyan calls signing of Armenia-Azerbaijan delimitation protocol great success
Pashinyan calls signing of Armenia-Azerbaijan delimitation protocol great success
11:55 16.05.2024
Armenia to open embassy in Cyprus
Armenia to open embassy in Cyprus
11:45 16.05.2024
One-on-one meeting between Azerbaijani and Belarusian Presidents starts
11:32 16.05.2024
Official welcome ceremony held for President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko
11:22 16.05.2024
Moscow hosts concert program entitled "Azerbaijan and Russia: manifestation of friendship"
Moscow hosts concert program entitled "Azerbaijan and Russia: manifestation of friendship"
11:21 16.05.2024
Baku court was appealed over extension of Ruben Vardanyan's prison term
11:15 16.05.2024
Azerbaijan, Belarus expanding co-op in urban planning and architecture
11:15 16.05.2024
EDB allocates $1M to eliminate consequences of floods in Kazakhstan
EDB allocates $1M to eliminate consequences of floods in Kazakhstan
10:50 16.05.2024
Slovak PM Fico still in life-threatening condition
10:35 16.05.2024
Speaker of Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova arrives in Swiss Confederation on a Working visit
Speaker of Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova arrives in Swiss Confederation on a Working visit
10:30 16.05.2024
Hamısı