The European Space Agency (ESA) Euclid telescope has identified 31 extremely distant quasars, including two of the earliest ever known, according to a report from the HUN-REN Centre for Astronomical Research (CSFK). These objects, identified through infrared sensitivity and high-resolution scanning, date back to when the universe was only 670 million years old.
How did Euclid double the number of known early quasars?
The Euclid telescope identified 12 new quasars with a redshift (z) value exceeding 7, more than doubling the previous scientific record of nine such objects. According to the HUN-REN CSFK, the telescope’s ability to scan vast areas of the sky with infrared sensitivity allows it to find these objects more efficiently than previous generations of surveys.
Quasars are among the brightest objects in the universe. Their energy comes from supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies that consume massive amounts of surrounding matter. Because they are so bright, astronomers use them as “cosmic lighthouses” to analyze the earliest, darkest eras of the universe.
What are the specific findings of the Euclid survey?
The 31 identified quasars show redshift values ranging between z=6.6 and z=7.8. The most distant object in this group emitted its light when the universe was roughly five percent of its current age. This discovery was made possible through an international collaboration including researchers from the Konkoly Thege Miklós Astronomical Institute of the HUN-REN CSFK, supported by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) Lendület program.
Finding these objects is difficult because they are both rare and appear extremely faint due to the immense distances involved.
Comparison: Previous Knowledge vs. Euclid Data
| Metric | Prior to Euclid | Euclid Findings (1.5 Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Quasars with z > 7 | 9 known | 21 known (12 new) |
| Detection Method | Older generation surveys | High-res infrared scanning |
What happens next for the Euclid mission?
Astronomers expect to discover hundreds more distant quasars as the six-year program continues. A major milestone is scheduled for the end of 2026 with the first major public data release (DR1). According to the HUN-REN CSFK, this will be the largest high-resolution visible and infrared map of the sky ever created from space.
This map aims to move the study of the early universe, dark matter, and dark energy to a new level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are quasars important for studying the early universe?
Because of their extreme brightness, they act as beacons that allow scientists to see through the darkness of the early universe and analyze the conditions shortly after the Big Bang.
What is the significance of the z=7.8 redshift?
It indicates the light has traveled for billions of years, originating from a time when the universe was only about 670 million years old.
Who is involved in this research?
The project is led by the ESA, with contributions from international teams including the Konkoly Thege Miklós Astronomical Institute (HUN-REN CSFK) and support from the MTA Lendület program.
What do you think about the possibility of discovering hundreds more ancient quasars by 2026? Will this change our understanding of dark matter? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more space exploration updates.
