The pair is located in the direction of the constellation Virgo and existed during the first 900 million years of the universe, approximately 12.8 billion years ago.
Unlike many quasars, which are known for their brightness, this pair is relatively dim, indicating they are still in the early stages of their evolution.
ALMA Observations: Unveiling the Merger
The ALMA observations provided detailed maps of the host galaxies of the quasars, revealing a “bridge” of gas and dust linking the two galaxies. This bridge is a strong indication that the galaxies are in the process of merging.
The observations also showed that these galaxies are extremely rich in gas, the essential material for star formation. The presence of this gas suggests that the merger will not only lead to more vigorous quasar activity but will also trigger a rapid increase in star formation, known as a “starburst.” This combination of starburst activity and quasar energy is expected to result in the creation of a super-bright object, commonly referred to as a monster galaxy.
What is a Quasar?
The term “quasar” stands for quasi-stellar radio source, which reflects their star-like appearance. However, quasars are not stars; they are young galaxies located at vast distances from Earth. Despite their distance, quasars are visible because they are incredibly bright, up to 1,000 times brighter than the Milky Way galaxy.
