Imphal, May 26: A major breakthrough in astronomy has been achieved by a research team led by Ronaldo Laishram, which has identified a vast structure of young galaxies that existed around 12.6 billion years ago, shedding new light on the early evolution of the Universe.
The findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, reveal a giant protocluster named the “Loktak Protocluster”, inspired by Manipur’s famous Loktak Lake. Protoclusters are considered the early building blocks of galaxy clusters and are often described by astronomers as developing “cities of galaxies” shaped by gravity over time.
Researchers determined that the newly identified structure dates back to a period when the Universe was approximately 1.2 billion years old. The system consists of four interconnected galaxy concentrations evolving simultaneously, a pattern that scientists likened to the floating phumdis found in Loktak Lake.
Dr Laishram, currently a researcher at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, said naming the discovery after Loktak carried personal and cultural significance.
He noted that Loktak remains closely linked with the identity of Manipur and described the naming as a way of connecting his homeland with the larger story of the cosmos. He added that the name Loktak would now become part of the Universe’s scientific narrative.
The international research team relied on observations from the Subaru Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope to analyse the distant structure. Their study indicated that galaxies forming in dense environments had already begun evolving differently from those developing in less crowded regions during the early history of the Universe.
The findings suggest that a galaxy’s surrounding environment may play a crucial role in determining how it grows and changes over time.
Originally from Khangabok in Manipur’s Thoubal district, Dr Laishram completed his Master’s degree and PhD studies in astronomy at Tohoku University before joining NAOJ in Tokyo. His work largely focuses on galaxy formation and evolution, and he has contributed to numerous international research studies.
His interest in astronomy started early in life. At the age of 18, he discovered a preliminary asteroid and was later honoured by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.
Apart from research, he also founded the Manipur Astronomical Society, which works to encourage interest in astronomy among young people in the Northeast. He is additionally associated with educational initiatives including OviEdu and the MitSna Foundation.
The research paper documenting the discovery is titled Discovery of a z ≃ 4.9 Lyα Emitter Protocluster: Wavelength-dependent Environmental Effects on Galaxy Structure and was co-authored by Laishram along with fellow researchers.
