Mysterious ‘little red dot’ galaxies have a possible origin story

Astronomers have long been puzzled by the enigmatic "little red dot" galaxies scattered across the universe. Recent research suggests that these galaxies may have originated from dark matter halos with the lowest 1 percent of spin speeds. This new theory provides a fascinating glimpse into the early universe, where the dynamics of dark matter played a critical role in shaping the cosmos. In contrast to their slowly spinning counterparts, fast-spinning dark matter halos exhibit significant centrifugal forces. These forces can prevent the collapse of gas clouds necessary for star and galaxy formation. However, in halos with minimal spin, the lack of centrifugal force allows gas to coalesce more easily, potentially giving rise to the small, dense, and faint galaxies we observe today as "little red dots." The discovery of this potential origin story for the little red dot galaxies not only enhances our understanding of galaxy formation but also underscores the complex interplay between dark matter and baryonic matter in the universe. As astronomers continue to explore these mysterious entities, they hope to uncover further insights into the fundamental processes that governed the early universe and the formation of its first galaxies.

— Authored by Next24 Live