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Monday, November 9, 2009

Photo: Ancestors of Milky Way-Type Galaxies Found, Analyzed


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Scientists have, for the first time, directly observed tiny galaxies known as Lyman alpha emitters, including a compact type (upper right); an extended, chain-like version (upper left); a clumpy, extended type (lower right); and an extended type showing evidence of merging (lower left).

These ancient galaxies are believed to merge over time to form spiral galaxies like the Milky Way and M74 (center).

Center image by Todd Boroson, NOAO/AURA/NSF; other images by NASA, ESA, Caryl Gronwall/Penn State