Hey space fans! 🚀 Chinese astronomers have just unveiled an epic discovery using LAMOST, a cutting-edge spectroscopic telescope. In a breakthrough survey, scientists from institutions like the National Astronomical Observatories, Peking University, and more have identified nearly 2,000 quasars, including an impressive 1,338 new finds hidden behind the dusty veil of the Galactic plane.
Quasars, the incredibly bright cores of distant active galaxies, aren’t just a cool cosmic fact—they help researchers dive deep into mysteries like supermassive black holes, galaxy evolution, and even the large-scale structure of our universe. What makes this discovery extra exciting is that the Galactic plane, packed with stars, gas, and dust, has long been a challenging spot for such searches. Thanks to advanced spectroscopic surveys, these hidden cosmic gems are finally coming to light! 🌌
Professor Wu Xuebing from Peking University, who led the study, highlighted the importance of overcoming the obstacles posed by high dust extinction and dense star fields. Huo Zhiying, the study’s first author, pointed out that these quasars are not only key to understanding the interstellar and intergalactic medium but also crucial for constructing a more complete astrometric reference frame.
For all you tech-savvy explorers and curious minds in South Asia and Southeast Asia, this isn’t just another science update—it’s a reminder that our universe is full of surprises waiting to be discovered. Just like scrolling through your favorite app for the next viral trend, astronomers are uncovering cosmic trends that open new windows into our past and our future. Keep looking up! ✨
Reference(s):
Chinese astronomers discover 1,300 new quasars behind Galactic plane
cgtn.com
