Exploring the Strangest and Most Mysterious Finds in the Universe
10. Himiko
Found Year: 2009
Found By: Masami Ouchi
Location: Himiko
Himiko, a notable Lyman-alpha blob located in the constellation Cetus, is approximately 12.9 billion light-years away from Earth. Discovered by Masami Ouchi of the Carnegie Institution in Pasadena, California, this cosmic structure is named after the legendary Japanese shaman queen from the third century. Remarkably, Himiko is about twice the size of the Milky Way galaxy.
Conclusion In summary, the discovery of Himiko offers valuable insights into the early universe and the formation of large-scale structures. Its immense size and distance provide a unique opportunity to study the conditions of the cosmos during its formative years, enriching our understanding of galactic evolution.
Himiko via NASA, JPL-Caltech, STScI, NAOJ, Subaru, and Wikimedia Commons
Himiko is particularly fascinating and unique as it holds the distinction of being the oldest known Lyman-alpha blob ever discovered. It represents a primordial Lyman-alpha blob, providing crucial insights into the early universe. This cosmic structure not only helps scientists understand the conditions that existed shortly after the Big Bang but also sheds light on the formation of galaxies and large-scale structures in the cosmos.
Conclusion In summary, the significance of Himiko lies in its age and classification as a primordial structure. Its study enhances our understanding of the universe's evolution and the processes that shaped the formation of galaxies in their infancy.
