13-Billion-year-old ‘Cosmic Dawn' signal captured by ground-based telescope: A breakthrough in tracing the origins of universe
In a rare and remarkable scientific achievement, scientists have detected a 13-billion-year-old microwave signal from a period known as the Cosmic Dawn. It is a time just after the
Big Bang
when the first stars and galaxies began to form. What makes this achievement remarkable is that the signal was picked up not from space, but using Earth-based telescopes situated at high altitudes in the Andes mountains of northern Chile. The discovery was made by astrophysicists from the
CLASS
(Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor) project. The project is funded by the US National Science Foundation. These weak signals of polarised microwave radiation provide rare insights into the
early universe
and reveal how the first cosmic structures influenced light leftover from the Big Bang.
This is the first time such a faint and ancient signal has been observed from the ground. The breakthrough was achieved by the team led by Professor Tobias Marriage of Johns Hopkins University (JHU). This major feat defies previous assumptions that these signals could only be detected using space telescopes, due to the many technological and environmental obstacles faced by ground observatories.
What is the Cosmic Dawn that sent the 13-billion-year-old signal
The Cosmic Dawn refers to the time period between roughly 50 million and one billion years after the Big Bang. This is the period when the first stars, galaxies, and black holes began to form. It was like a dawn for the Universe. Before this phenomena, the universe was in a dark, neutral state with no sources of light. The earliest stars also known as Population III stars ignited nuclear fusion and emitted intense ultraviolet radiation that lit up the universe and began the process of reionization. This radiation ionized the surrounding hydrogen gas which allow light to travel freely through space for the first time.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy
IC Markets
Tìm hiểu thêm
Undo
During this era, small, irregular galaxies started to assemble, and early black holes likely formed from the collapse of massive stars. These events fundamentally changed the nature of the cosmos. By studying light from this time, such as
polarised microwave signals
left on the cosmic microwave background, scientists can learn how the first luminous objects shaped the universe's structure. The Cosmic Dawn marks the universe's transition from darkness to light and holds key insights into how modern galaxies, including our own- Milky way, came to be.
Why detecting this signal is so difficult and significant
The microwaves that scientists are looking for from the Cosmic Dawn are extremely faint. It is about a million times weaker than regular cosmic microwave background radiation. These polarised microwave signals are measured in mere millimetres of wavelength and are easily drowned out by earthly interference such as radio broadcasts, radar signals, satellites, and even atmospheric conditions like humidity or temperature shifts.
According to researchers, even under ideal conditions, detecting these signals requires highly sensitive and precisely calibrated instruments. CLASS telescopes were custom-designed for this task and strategically placed in high-altitude regions of Chile, where the thinner, drier air provides a clearer view of the universe.
How the CLASS team overcome the odds: A first feat from Earth
'People thought this couldn't be done from the ground,' said Prof. Tobias Marriage. 'Astronomy is a technology-limited field, and microwave signals from the Cosmic Dawn are famously difficult to measure. Ground-based observations face additional challenges compared to space. Overcoming those obstacles makes this measurement a significant achievement.'
The CLASS team addressed these challenges by cross-referencing their data with results from previous space missions, such as NASA's Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) and the European Space Agency's Planck telescope. By identifying and eliminating interference, they were able to isolate a consistent signal from the polarised light. It confirmed that it originated from the early universe.
The polarised microwave light
Light becomes polarised when it bounces off surfaces or particles, causing the waves to align in a particular direction. A simple example is sunlight reflecting off a car hood, which creates a glare—one that can be reduced with polarised sunglasses. Similarly, ancient cosmic light that interacted with early matter became polarised.
'Using the new common signal, we can determine how much of what we're seeing is cosmic glare from light bouncing off the hood of the cosmic dawn, so to speak,' explained Dr. Yunyang Li, one of the study's co-authors and a researcher affiliated with Johns Hopkins and the University of Chicago.
New path to explore the origins of the universe
The CLASS project has opened a powerful new window into understanding the origins of the universe. The study of these signals can help scientists to see how the first light sources interacted with matter. They can trace how early stars triggered the formation of galaxies. These processes shaped large-scale structures that still define the universe today. This research opens the door to new discoveries. It gives scientists a roadmap to explore the earliest and most mysterious parts of the universe without relying only on space missions.
It proves that advanced ground-based technology, when combined with clever methodology and favourable locations, can rival even space telescopes in tracing the earliest chapters of cosmic history.
This research validates the capabilities of Earth-based astronomy and paves the way for deeper studies into the birth of stars, the formation of galaxies, and the evolution of the universe itself.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
44 minutes ago
- Time of India
Kidney transplant turns dangerous after parasite found in donor organ
A routine kidney transplant meant to save a man's life nearly cost him everything—because of a parasite no one saw coming. Two months after undergoing what should have been a life-improving surgery, a 61-year-old man was rushed back to the hospital in distress. He wasn't just feeling unwell—he was vomiting, severely fatigued, constantly thirsty, and urinating excessively. As his symptoms escalated, his oxygen levels dropped and fluid began to accumulate in his lungs. Despite being placed on a feeding tube, his condition worsened. Doctors transferred him to intensive care and began a frantic search for answers. According to a detailed case report in the New England Journal of Medicine, physicians at Massachusetts General Hospital suspected an infection but were faced with a daunting challenge: the man was on powerful immunosuppressive drugs following his transplant, which meant nearly any infectious agent could be the cause. What did they find? Dr. Camille Kotton, Clinical Director of the Transplant and Immunocompromised Host Infectious Diseases division at Mass General, was part of the team trying to find the cause. As reported by Ars Technica, she began by ruling out likely viral infections, since the patient was already on preventative medications. But when she noticed two unusual signs—a significant rise in eosinophils (a type of white blood cell linked to parasitic infections) and a reddish-purple rash on the patient's abdomen—her attention turned toward a lesser-considered threat: a parasitic roundworm called Strongyloides. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo This worm typically infects the gastrointestinal tract and can become deadly when undiagnosed in immunocompromised individuals. To follow her hunch, Dr. Kotton contacted the organ-procurement organization and learned that the donor had lived in the Caribbean, a region where Strongyloides is endemic. The donor's blood hadn't been tested for the parasite prior to organ recovery, but stored samples later revealed antibodies against it. Meanwhile, the transplant recipient's pre-transplant blood was negative—confirming that the infection had come from the donor. What was the path to recovery? T ests soon uncovered worm larvae in the patient's lungs and stool. The treatment required ivermectin, a deworming medication approved by the FDA only for oral use in humans. With special approval, doctors administered the drug subcutaneously. Slowly, the patient began to recover. Then came another shock: the recipient of the donor's other kidney had also fallen critically ill. When doctors exchanged notes, they found the same parasite at work. Fortunately, both patients survived. In response to the case, the United Network for Organ Sharing has since revised its transplant screening guidelines, now recommending universal Strongyloides testing for donors from high-risk regions. The case serves as a stark reminder that even life-saving procedures can carry hidden dangers—and that vigilance doesn't end with the operating room. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
KU preferred institution among foreign students
T'puram: The University of Kerala is fast establishing itself as a leading international education destination, experiencing significant growth in foreign student enrolments over four years. For the 2025-26 academic year, the institution received 2,620 applications from 81 nations, marking a substantial increase from 1,100 students in 2021-22. According to Prof Sabu Joseph, director of the Centre for Global Academics (CGA), the university maintains its position as Kerala's foremost institution for international student intake. "The numbers demonstrate consistent growth 1,100 students from 35 countries in 2021-22, increasing to 1,400 in 2022-23, 1,600 in 2023-24 and 2,600 in 2024-25 from 64 countries. The 2025-26 academic year saw 2,620 applications from 81 countries, all submitted to the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) portal for selection," he said. The current application distribution includes 1,265 for undergraduate programmes, 1,020 for postgraduate courses, and 335 for PhD studies. African nations constitute the largest applicant group, with sizeable applications from Iran, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Philippines, Bhutan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Jordan, Thailand, Vietnam, South Africa, Russia, France, and the USA. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Over 40 and Struggling With Belly Fat? Try 1 Teaspoon Daily (See What Happens A Week Later) Health Benefits Undo Popular course selections focus on commerce and management studies, with strong interest in political science, psychology, economics, education, linguistics and English literature. Scientific disciplines, including computer science, biotechnology, chemistry, environmental sciences, mathematics, physics and statistics also attract applicants. The university currently hosts 205 international students from 52 countries, including Colombia, Peru, UK, and the USA, through ICCR scholarships and self-financing options. Support services include orientation programmes, cultural events, and annual graduation ceremonies, creating an inclusive academic environment. "The university's NAAC A++ accreditation, strong NIRF rankings, efficient admission procedures, and advanced research facilities have established its position as a preferred international education hub. This sustained growth reflects its increasing global influence and dedication to academic excellence and multicultural education," said Sabu Joseph, adding that the KU continues to strengthen its position as an educational leader.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
India's first epigraphical reference to Halley's comet found in Vijaynagara's 15th-century copper plate; key details inside
Credit: X The discovery of a June 28, 1456 CE, inscription at the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam, now in Andhra Pradesh, has revealed India's first known mention of Halley's comet on a 15th-century Vijayanagara copper plate inscription. This fascinating discovery has offered a glimpse into the rich astronomical knowledge of Indians even back then. The plate documents a land grant made by the Vijayanagara king Mallikarjuna to a scholar of the Vedas. The interesting part here is that the inscription contains a reference to a brilliant celestial object that is visible in the sky now identified by historians and astronomers as Halley's comet, which was indeed visible at that time. Astronomical alignment with Halley's comet The inscription date in the Indian calendar is śaka 1378, dhātr̥ āṣāḍha ba. 11, which reads exactly to Monday, June 28, 1456 CE. According to astronomical data, Halley's comet was seen visibly and spectacularly during the summer of 1456. It was one of its historically significant apparitions, recorded in various parts of the world, including Europe and Asia. The 1456 sighting of a comet was especially dramatic, and in some places, it was considered a sign. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Erftstadt: GEERS sucht 700 Testhörer für Hörgeräte ohne Zuzahlung GEERS Undo This is in line with the timing and the unusual celestial reference within the copper plate, making the connection. Context and significance This inscription is now considered the earliest attested epigraphic reference to Halley's comet in India, since previous references to comets in early Indian texts, e.g., in the ṛigveda, atharvaveda, and bṛhat saṃhitā, are generic and metaphorical and do not point to actual astronomical occurrences. The inscription is written in the classical Telugu language script, with an inscription in Sanskrit, in the traditional copper plate grant form, which was quite prevalent back then. Mention of the astronomical phenomenon is made along with details of the grant of land, indicating that the phenomena were deemed important enough to be noted within formal, legal, and religious documents. This find is a cornerstone achievement in India's scientific and historical record-keeping. The 1456 copper plate of the Vijaynagar empire is not only the first known epigraphic mention of Halley's comet in India but also presents a window of insight into the cosmos, the history of India, and the social and political life of the era. Apart from suggesting the rich knowledge Indians had, it also suggests that medieval scholars likely tracked cometary cycles more closely than we ever would, hinting at an advanced system of record keeping. Back in those days, observation-based understanding of astronomy in the Vijayanagara era of India is also visible.
