The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Euclid telescope has identified 31 of the oldest known quasars, including two that date back to when the universe was only 670 million years old—roughly 5% of its current age. These findings, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, provide a rare glimpse into the early formation of the first galaxies.
Unlocking the Early Universe with Euclid
Euclid, which began scientific observations in February 2024 after its July 2023 launch, is designed to map the hidden structures of the cosmos. By observing the universe from a vast distance away from Earth, the telescope targets billions of galaxies to study how dark matter and dark energy influence their evolution and distribution. According to the ESA, these 31 newly discovered quasars act as “time machines,” allowing researchers to peer into the conditions of the early universe.
Did you know?
A quasar is the incredibly luminous core of a galaxy, powered by a supermassive black hole. During a brief phase of a galaxy’s life, massive amounts of matter spiral into the black hole, releasing immense energy that makes the object the brightest in the universe.
Why These Quasars Are Rarely Seen
Detecting such ancient light is a significant technical hurdle. Valeria Pettorino, a scientist for the Euclid mission, stated that these quasars are “rare discoveries.” Astronomers struggle to spot them because few galaxies had sufficient time to grow during that epoch. Furthermore, their light is often faint and easily confused with less distant stars, making precision optics vital for identification.
The Role of Star-Forming Galaxies
The data reveals that one of the two oldest quasars resides within a galaxy dense with gas and dust, actively forming new stars.
The Global Effort Behind the Mission
The Euclid mission represents a major collaborative effort. Portugal has been an ESA member since 2000 and played a direct role in the manufacturing of the telescope’s components and the planning of its observational strategy. Over the next six years, the mission is expected to conduct many observations, significantly expanding our catalog of the deep universe.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mission Launch | July 2023 |
| Scientific Ops Start | February 2024 |
| Mission Duration | 6 years |
| Target Observations | many |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a quasar?
A quasar is the extremely bright center of a galaxy, powered by a supermassive black hole at its core.
Why is the Euclid telescope important?
Euclid is designed to map the structure of the universe and study the effects of dark matter and dark energy on galaxy evolution.
How old are the oldest quasars discovered by Euclid?
The oldest quasars identified by the telescope date back to when the universe was 670 million years old.
Stay updated on the latest space discoveries by subscribing to our newsletter. Have questions about the Euclid mission? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Worth a look