Unveiling Universe's mystery with hydrogen atom
In a continuation of their celestial pursuits, astronomers from the IISc Bangalore and McGill University in Canada have made a groundbreaking discovery. Further illuminating the mysteries of the universe, they have detected radio emissions emanating from atomic hydrogen.
Dr. Arnab Chakraborty, a postdoctoral researcher at McGill University, and Dr. Nirupam Roy, an associate professor at IISc Bangalore, have made this discovery using data from GMRT to detect radio signals. This breakthrough paves the way for detecting atomic gases at a cosmological scale, which could be crucial in studying the evolution of the universe.
This atomic hydrogen emits radio waves with a wavelength of 21 cm, which can be captured only by low-frequency radio telescopes. Nevertheless, the radio signal is remarkably faint, which makes it difficult to detect the emission. To date, the most distant galaxy detected through 21 cm emission had a redshift of z=0.376. However, utilizing GMRT data, scientists have made a seminal advancement in the field by detecting the radio signal from atomic hydrogen in a remote galaxy at a redshift of z=1.29.
What is atomic hydrogen, and why are they significant?
Atomic hydrogen refers to individual hydrogen atoms that are not bound to other atoms or molecules. It is one of the most abundant elements in the universe and is found in large quantities in the interstellar medium, which is the matter and radiation between stars.
The significance of atomic hydrogen in space lies in its role in various astrophysical processes. One of the critical roles it plays is in forming molecular hydrogen, the main constituent of stars and galaxies. The collision of atomic hydrogen atoms results in the formation of molecular hydrogen, forming the building blocks for stars and planetary systems. In addition, atomic hydrogen can also be used as a tracer for studying the distribution of matter in the universe. For example, observations of the 21-centimeter line emission from atomic hydrogen can provide information about the large-scale structure of the universe and help astronomers to study the physical and chemical conditions of the interstellar medium.
What is a 21 cm emission?
The 21 cm emission refers to the spectral line in radio astronomy produced by the hyperfine transition of neutral hydrogen (HI) atoms. This emission is at a wavelength of 21 cm and is used to study the distribution and motion of neutral hydrogen in the interstellar medium and galaxies.
This emission line provides a unique way to study the large-scale structure of the universe, including the formation and evolution of galaxies, the intergalactic medium, and the distribution of dark matter. It is also a valuable tool for investigating the early universe, as it can provide information about the conditions and composition of the universe when it was only a few hundred million years old.
In conclusion, this discovery sheds light on the role of atomic hydrogen in various astrophysical processes, including the formation of stars and planetary systems and the distribution of matter in the universe.
For further reading:
https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/519/3/4074/6958817
https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/519/3/4074/6958817
Also, to know more about GMRT:
https://astronomyclubiiserm.blogspot.com/2022/12/gmrt-miracle-producing-marvels.html
- Sanskar (MS21234)
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