Five Key Points About The Discovery Of Water Around A Quasar
BY: RICHA KAUSHIK
Scientists discovered water vapor surrounding a quasar, estimated to be 140 trillion times more water than all of Earth's oceans combined, marking it as one of the largest known water reservoirs in the universe.
Enormous Water Reserves
The quasar, powered by a supermassive black hole, emits intense radiation as it actively consumes surrounding material, creating the conditions for detecting water vapor.
Quasar Environment
The water vapor spans hundreds of light-years, showcasing the vastness of the quasar's influence and the sheer scale of interstellar phenomena.
Cosmic Scale
This finding suggests that significant amounts of water existed in the universe even during its early stages, contributing to our understanding of galaxy evolution and the conditions for life.
Implications for Galaxy Formation
Researchers used sophisticated telescopes, such as the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), to detect and measure the water vapor, highlighting advancements in astronomical technology.