LOFAR Telescope has helped astronomers identify the largest radio galaxy named Alcyoneus, which has an approximate length of 16 million light-years. 

In addition to this, the said galaxy lies about 3 billion light-years away from Earth.

LOFAR Telescope Helps Discover Alcyoneus

According to a report from Leiden University, a team led by a Dutch PhD student Martijn Oei discovered a radio galaxy named Alcyoneus whose length spans at least 16 million light-years long. The study also stated that the two discovered plasma plumes is the galaxy's greatest feature so far.

With the recent discovery, Leiden University noted that it refutes several long-held theories concerning the development of radio galaxies. 

Moreover, the image of the two plasma plumes is remarkable since this is the first time astronomers have seen a formation this large created by a single galaxy.The study indicates that such galaxies' sphere of influence extends far beyond their environment.

Since the precise physical distance cannot be identified, the scientists clarified that they can only measure a portion of the radio galaxy's length, which is a low estimate of its entirety. The captured images were acquired from a single viewpoint from Earth, which  means they unfortunately lack depth.

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Despite this, the study noted that it is equivalent to a hundred Milky Way galaxies lined together.

It has been noted that astronomers did not anticipate that a massive cosmic formation would be found in the vicinity of Earth. In terms of its distance from our planet, Alcyoneus is three billion light-years away from us. 

For those wondering about its discovery, the team used the pan-European LOFAR telescope, whose epicenter lies in a marshy Dutch 'radio dark' nature reserve.

Because the plumes are quite weak, the LOFAR telescope's radio eyes only spotted the largest radio galaxy now. The scientists were able to identify the Alcyoneus by reprocessing a batch of old photographs in such a manner that minor patterns shone out.

What Are Radio Galaxies?

Science Alert state that giant radio galaxies are still another mystery held within the confines of the univ erse.

Radio galaxies like Alcyoneus are made up of a host galaxy, which are a cluster of stars surrounding a galactic nucleus containing a supermassive black hole, as well as huge jets and lobes that erupt from the galactic core. 

Interacting with the intergalactic medium, the jets and lobes function as a synchrotron, accelerating electrons and producing radio emission. These jets have the ability to travel great distances before expanding out into massive radio-emitting lobes.

What is the LOFAR Telescope?

Astron reported that the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) is the world's biggest radio telescope that operates at the lowest frequencies that may be seen from Earth.

The report said in addition that "the revolutionary multi-beaming capabilities of the LOFAR telescope allow astronomers to engage in multiple lines of research at once: they can look back billions of years to a time before the first stars and galaxies were formed (the so-called 'Dark Ages')."

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