Distant galaxies reveal the clearing of the cosmic fog; New VLT observations chart timeline of reionization
Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - 08:30
in Astronomy & Space
Scientists have used the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope to probe the early Universe at several different times as it was becoming transparent to ultraviolet light. This brief but dramatic phase in cosmic history occurred around 13 billion years ago. By studying some of the most distant galaxies, the team has been able to establish a timeline for reionization for the first time. They have also demonstrated that this phase must have happened quicker than previously thought.