New Delhi, India: Astronomers have unveiled a detailed map of a massive explosion in the nearby galaxy of NGC 4383, located in the Virgo cluster. This remarkable discovery showcases the outflows of gas stemming from powerful stellar explosions within the galaxy’s central regions, expelling vast amounts of hydrogen and heavy elements into the space surrounding it. Shockingly, the total mass of the ejected gas equals that of 50 million Suns.
Published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, a recent study describes the findings of this groundbreaking research conducted by lead author Adam Watts and his team. The ejected gas, rich in heavy elements, offers a unique glimpse into the intricate process of mixing between hydrogen and metals within the outflowing gas. Chemical elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur have been detected in this extraordinary phenomenon.
Furthermore, the gas outflows resulting from these explosions play a crucial role in redistributing gas and dust within the galaxy, influencing the formation of new stars. By slowing down the star formation rate, these outflows can potentially push galaxies towards a dormant state. The pollution caused by the ejected gas extends to the space between stars within a galaxy and even reaches the intergalactic medium, where gas and dust can linger indefinitely.
The high-resolution map of this cosmic explosion was created using data collected by the MUSE and ALMA Unveiling the Virgo Environment (MAUVE) survey. This survey utilized the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) Integral Field Spectrograph on the Very Large Telescope (VLT) at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in northern Chile. Scientists from the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) collaborated in this groundbreaking research.
Barbara Catinella, a scientist from ICRAR, expressed excitement about the results of the MAUVE survey, highlighting the importance of understanding how physical processes like gas outflows impact star formation in galaxies. NGC 4383, the initial target of the survey, surpassed all expectations with its data. Scientists hope that future observations conducted by the MAUVE survey will offer detailed insights into the role of gas outflows in the universe.