Revolutionizing Cosmic Understanding: EPFL’s Groundbreaking Gravitational Lensing Technique to Measure Mass of Quasar Host Galaxies

A new study has found that researchers can now measure the mass of a galaxy hosting a quasar three times more accurately than with existing methods. This technique provides valuable insights into the evolution of galaxies throughout cosmic time, including the formation of black holes. The study was published in the prestigious journal Nature Astronomy, which suggests its importance.

The Gravitational Lensing Method

Gravitational lensing is a highly accurate method for obtaining mass estimates of galaxies in the distant universe, surpassing conventional techniques. This method involves using the bending of light from the background objects by foreground objects to calculate the mass of the lensing object. This method proves more reliable and offers a higher degree of accuracy compared to other methods because the measurement is not disturbed by the presence of conventional interferences.

Implementing gravitational lensing with quasars

One of the difficulties of measuring the weight of a quasar’s host galaxy is its intense brightness and distance. However, combining the gravitational lensing method with quasars offers a solution to this problem. The researchers took advantage of the natural alignment of a quasar and a foreground galaxy to create data that demonstrated the lensing effect. This alignment offered a rare opportunity to measure the mass of the lensing galaxy with unusual accuracy.

Results of the study

The study found that the method they used was three times more accurate than the previous methods used to weigh host galaxies. The measurements are highly significant since the mass measurement of quasar host galaxies provides insight into the early universe’s galaxy formation and black hole development. The precise measurement also allowed the researchers to see that black holes and their host galaxies adhered to a “co-evolution” process, indicating that galaxies and black holes grew and progressed simultaneously.

Future implications

The upcoming Euclid mission is expected to detect hundreds of lensing quasars, offering valuable insights into our place in the universe. The Euclid mission plans to measure the shapes and positions of billions of galaxies in the Universe, which could provide researchers with an extraordinary opportunity to study further galaxy formation and evolution.

In conclusion, the discovery and analysis of gravitational lensing events such as the SDSS J0919+2720 could provide crucial information on how supermassive black holes and their host galaxies evolve through cosmic times. The study’s lead author, Martin Millon, stated that this is the first time measurements of the masses of host galaxies have been so precise in the distant Universe, demonstrating how much the understanding of the universe is improving with such methods. Even though significant advancements have been made, grappling with the mysteries of the universe will need continued research and analysis to help further unravel them.

Explore more

D365 Supply Chain Tackles Key Operational Challenges

Imagine a mid-sized manufacturer struggling to keep up with fluctuating demand, facing constant stockouts, and losing customer trust due to delayed deliveries, a scenario all too common in today’s volatile supply chain environment. Rising costs, fragmented data, and unexpected disruptions threaten operational stability, making it essential for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) and manufacturers, to find ways to

Cloud ERP vs. On-Premise ERP: A Comparative Analysis

Imagine a business at a critical juncture, where every decision about technology could make or break its ability to compete in a fast-paced market, and for many organizations, selecting the right Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system becomes that pivotal choice—a decision that impacts efficiency, scalability, and profitability. This comparison delves into two primary deployment models for ERP systems: Cloud ERP

Selecting the Best Shipping Solution for D365SCM Users

Imagine a bustling warehouse where every minute counts, and a single shipping delay ripples through the entire supply chain, frustrating customers and costing thousands in lost revenue. For businesses using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management (D365SCM), this scenario is all too real when the wrong shipping solution disrupts operations. Choosing the right tool to integrate with this powerful platform

How Is AI Reshaping the Future of Content Marketing?

Dive into the future of content marketing with Aisha Amaira, a MarTech expert whose passion for blending technology with marketing has made her a go-to voice in the industry. With deep expertise in CRM marketing technology and customer data platforms, Aisha has a unique perspective on how businesses can harness innovation to uncover critical customer insights. In this interview, we

Why Are Older Job Seekers Facing Record Ageism Complaints?

In an era where workforce diversity is often championed as a cornerstone of innovation, a troubling trend has emerged that threatens to undermine these ideals, particularly for those over 50 seeking employment. Recent data reveals a staggering surge in complaints about ageism, painting a stark picture of systemic bias in hiring practices across the U.S. This issue not only affects