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Rare Hydroxyl Megamaser Discovered 8 Billion Light-Years Away

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

A distant hydroxyl megamaser was discovered in the galaxy system HATLAS J142935.3–002836, about 8 billion light-years away.
The megamaser forms from colliding galaxies and emits radio waves as hydroxyl molecules collide in dense gas.
The signal was detected by the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa, aided by gravitational lensing that magnifies distant objects.
Discovery team leader Thato Manamela said the megamaser is rare and could illuminate early universe conditions, star formation, and potential dual supermassive black holes, advancing galaxy evolution understanding.

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Story summary

A distant hydroxyl megamaser was discovered in the galaxy system HATLAS J142935.3–002836, about 8 billion light-years away.
The megamaser forms from colliding galaxies and emits radio waves as hydroxyl molecules collide in dense gas.
The signal was detected by the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa, aided by gravitational lensing that magnifies distant objects.
Discovery team leader Thato Manamela said the megamaser is rare and could illuminate early universe conditions, star formation, and potential dual supermassive black holes, advancing galaxy evolution understanding.