Twelve billion years ago, space was nothing like it is today. But amidst the juvenile stars, there was one galaxy that stood out as huge, rotating, and structured. The Big Wheel, a rare spiral formation, is turning heads in the field of astronomy.
A Giant Galaxy Out of the Universe's Early Days The Big Wheel galaxy made its appearance a mere 1.7 billion years after the Big Bang. The universe was just 15 percent as old at the time. Most galaxies at that time were messy and small. But this galaxy was big, structured, and already spinning.
It was discovered by astronomers with the James Webb Space Telescope of NASA. Scientists worldwide were surprised at the size and shape. It takes billions of years for spiral galaxies like this one to form. By accumulating gas or merging with other organisms, they slowly grow.
Its Size and Speed Defy Traditional Wisdom
In comparison to other galaxies of similar types, the Big Wheel is three times bigger. Also, it spins in line with the Tully-Fisher relation. This means that its mass and rate of rotation are the same. The galaxy likely quickly accumulated dark matter, gas, and stars.
Curiously, it does not form stars any faster than others. This suggests that it is growing slowly instead of quickly. For a construction so big and young, that is unusual.
It Could Have Formated in a Crowded Area
There are a lot of other galaxies in the area where this one is. The concentration is five times greater than that of normal cosmic neighborhoods. Its early growth may have been helped along by the frenetic surroundings.
It grew peacefully instead of running into other galaxies. Its spiral form may have been fed by soft gas flows. In order to keep the galaxy stable, the gas entered as it rotated.
There was less than 2 percent chance to observe it, scientists said. Now that they have, they may have to re-think the formation of galaxies.
The Big Wheel might mark a sea change in astronomy. It serves as a reminder that the early universe might have been more ordered than previously believed.
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