Leaky Galaxy Reveals How the Universe Evolved and How Stars First Formed

Scientists have learned a bit more about how the universe evolved by studying leaky galaxies. They've taken a closer look at large star-forming galaxies to measure radiation leaks to see how the first stars were formed.

In this case, the scientists looked for the ideal star-forming galaxy that contained holes in its cold gas cover by using the radiation leak measurement method. Normally, this cover stretches across a galaxy like a blanket. While it's an effective tool for creating stars, this cover usually presents a challenge for scientists hoping to learn how the radiation that stars produce could be used in the ionization process. For years, researchers have searched for the right galaxy with this character trait.

"It's like the ozone layer, but in reverse," said Sanchayeeta Borthakur, one of the researchers, in a news release. "The ozone layer protects us from the sun's radiation but we want the gas cover the other way around. The star forming regions in galaxies are covered with cold gases so the radiation cannot come out. If we can find out how the radiation gets out of the galaxy, we can learn what mechanisms ionized the universe."

Using the Hubble Space Telescope, the scientists tracked down the right galaxy to study. They sorted out which gas was present and accurately measured the percentage of holes in the gas cover. The method that the scientists used in particular was first created in 2001 and with a little luck from a combination of unusually strong winds and intense radiation, the researchers were able to prove the validity of the indicator.

"The confirmation of the indicator is key," said Borthakur. "The implications are now people can use this indicator to study distant galaxies at longer wavelengths."

The findings are published in the journal Science.