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.
Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand
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.
Streams are in Windows Media format. Mac and Linux users may need to install additional software. Get help with audio
A selection of music interviews, reviews, videos, concerts, sessions, and performances.
Downloads and podcasts are available for selected programmes. Our podcast page has a complete list of feeds.
Help on using online audio: formats, software, podcasts, downloading, and troubleshooting.