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Scientists Discover Huge Population Of Hidden Galaxies

Scientists Discover Huge Population Of Hidden Galaxies

Experts said this is the first time such a large population of galaxies has been confirmed in two billion years

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Scientists have discovered a large population of hidden galaxies, which could change our entire understanding of how the universe works.

A new breakthrough approach was used to allow astronomers to look closer than ever into the universe that surrounds us.

The galaxies, which were previously unknown to researchers, have been described as a treasure trove and their existence could help solve some of the most deep and fundamental questions, according to the Independent.

Dr Tao Wang, from the University of Tokyo, told the Independent: "This is the first time that such a large population of massive galaxies was confirmed during the first two billion years of the 13.7-billion-year life of the universe.

"These were previously invisible to us. This finding contravenes current models for that period of cosmic evolution and will help to add some details, which have been missing until now.

"For one thing, the night sky would appear far more majestic. The greater density of stars means there would be many more stars close by appearing larger and brighter."

"But conversely, the large amount of dust means farther-away stars would be far less visible, so the background to these bright close stars might be a vast dark void."

Dr Wang went on to add: "It was tough to convince our peers these galaxies were as old as we suspected them to be.

"Our initial suspicions about their existence came from the Spitzer Space Telescope's infrared data.

"But ALMA has sharp eyes and revealed details at submillimeter wavelengths, the best wavelength to peer through dust present in the early universe.

"Even so, it took further data from the imaginatively named Very Large Telescope in Chile to really prove we were seeing ancient massive galaxies where none had been seen before."

Featured Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and A. Nota (STScI/ESA)

Topics: World News, News, space