Skip to content.

 

Astronomers spot first evidence of dark galaxies

Updated at 11:36 am on 13 July 2012

Astronomers using a powerful telescope in Chile have observed what appears to be evidence of the existence of dark galaxies.

The European Southern Observatory says dark galaxies - an early phase of galaxy formation predicted by theory but unobserved until now - may have been spotted for the first time.

The observatory is an intergovernmental organisation supported by 15 countries, AFP reports.

It has been searching for dark galaxies on its Very Large Telescope array - a cluster of four telescopes that can view objects four billion times fainter than objects visible to the naked eye.

It is housed at Paranal in Chile's Atacama Desert.


Radio New Zealand Audio

hide window

Audio is categorised based on the frequency of the programme it was heard in. Click on the headings below to access the programmes. For the most recently published audio, go to the latest audio page.

Live Audio Streams

Streams are in Windows Media format. Mac and Linux users may need to install additional software. Get help with audio

National Daily On Demand

National Weekly Audio On Demand

Concert On Demand

Music On Demand

A selection of music interviews, reviews, videos, concerts, sessions, and performances.

Documentaries, Lectures and Forums

Parliament Audio

Podcasts & Downloads

Downloads and podcasts are available for selected programmes. Our podcast page has a complete list of feeds.

Audio Help

Help on using online audio: formats, software, podcasts, downloading, and troubleshooting.

Access Key List

Radio NZ branding