![]() If the absence of dark matter in NGC 1277 is confirmed, it could have significant ramifications for alternative dark matter models. ![]() To delve deeper into this enigma, the team plans to conduct further observations using the WEAVE instrument on the William Herschel Telescope (WHT) at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma in the Canary Islands. One possibility is that the gravitational interaction with the surrounding medium in the galaxy cluster it inhabits has stripped away the dark matter.Īlternatively, it is proposed that during the galaxy’s formation through the merging of protogalactic fragments, the dark matter was expelled, leading to the relic galaxy we observe today.įor the researchers, neither of these explanations fully satisfies their curiosity, leaving the question of how a massive galaxy can form without dark matter unresolved. Two plausible explanations for the absence of dark matter in NGC 1277. How can a galaxy form without dark matter? However, this contradicts the current cosmological predictions, which anticipate a galaxy with the mass of NGC 1277 to contain at least 10% dark matter and potentially up to 70%. The data suggest that only 5% of dark matter is present, though it could be absent. To their astonishment, the team found that the mass distribution in NGC 1277 matched that of its stars, implying that there is little to no dark matter within the observed radius. Unravelling the mystery of no dark matter Intrigued by the potential insights into early galaxy formation, the researchers chose to observe NGC 1277 with an integral field spectrograph, creating kinematic maps that offer an understanding of the galaxy’s mass distribution up to a radius of approximately 20,000 light-years. These relic galaxies are thought to be remnants of the colossal galaxies that formed during the early stages of the universe. NGC 1277 is classified as a relic galaxy, a rare galaxy that has remained untouched by interactions with neighbouring galaxies. ![]() This revelation challenges the prevailing cosmological models, which widely acknowledge the presence of dark matter as an integral component of massive galaxies. NGC 1277, a massive galaxy several times the size of the Milky Way, has been found to lack any trace of dark matter. The groundbreaking discovery by a team of scientists led by researcher Sebastién Comerón at the IAC and the University of La Laguna (ULL) unveiled a perplexing puzzle within the universe. The implications of this revelation are profound, prompting a reassessment of prevailing theories about the universe’s composition and evolution.Īs the scientific world grapples with the implications of this breakthrough, researchers are eagerly delving into the mystery of NGC 1277, seeking to unlock its secrets and gain a deeper understanding of the nature of dark matter and its role in shaping the cosmos. A team of scientists, led by researcher Sebastién Comerón, discovers the galaxy NGC 1277 lacks dark matter, challenging cosmological models ![]()
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