Story perspectives

ALMA Identifies Star-Forming ‘Shadow Blaster’ Galaxy as Neutrino Source

6/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Chile-based astronomers using ALMA identified galaxy JCMT0402-0424 as the source of neutrino IC 210922A.
IceCube at the South Pole detected event IC 210922A.
The 11-billion-light-year galaxy, nicknamed “Shadow Blaster,” was magnified by gravitational lensing, revealing a dense 1,500-light-year core.
Radio data showed no supermassive black hole, indicated vigorous star formation, and suggest such galaxies could account for up to 20 % of high-energy neutrinos.

1 of 1

Story summary

Chile-based astronomers using ALMA identified galaxy JCMT0402-0424 as the source of neutrino IC 210922A.
IceCube at the South Pole detected event IC 210922A.
The 11-billion-light-year galaxy, nicknamed “Shadow Blaster,” was magnified by gravitational lensing, revealing a dense 1,500-light-year core.
Radio data showed no supermassive black hole, indicated vigorous star formation, and suggest such galaxies could account for up to 20 % of high-energy neutrinos.