Relevance for UPSC: GS Paper III (Science and Technology)
Source: Indian Express ; Indian Institute of Astrophysics; international astronomy research using James Webb Space Telescope

What is the Discovery?

Indian astronomers have identified Alaknanda, a spiral galaxy formed about 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang, far earlier than expected. The galaxy shows clear spiral arms and rotational structure, features previously believed to emerge only in much older galaxies.

Why is it Significant?

Conventional galaxy formation models suggest early galaxies were irregular and chaotic. Alaknanda’s existence indicates that ordered spiral structures can form rapidly, requiring a rethink of early-universe evolution models and the role of dark matter in galaxy stability.

UPSC Value Box

  • Concept: Spiral galaxy — a galaxy with rotating disk and spiral arms formed by density waves.
  • Scientific Tool: Redshift — used to estimate distance and age of celestial objects.
  • Institution: Indian Institute of Astrophysics (Bengaluru).

Q. Which observation best helps determine the age of distant galaxies?

(a) Luminosity
(b) Redshift
(c) Stellar temperature
(d) Magnetic field

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