New Chemical Clues Shine Light on Galactic Evolution

Astronomers have identified specific wavelengths of light tied to manganese ions that could serve as a cosmic clock for tracing the chemical evolution of the universe.

Using Manganese as a Cosmological Clock

Stellar explosions forge heavy elements like iron and other metals that build stars and planets. Manganese is particularly valuable for research because its abundance increases over time.

By combining this emission line data with other known facts on important elements like oxygen and sulfur, we may be able to view some of the earliest observable epochs in the history of the universe.

Overcoming Observational Limitations with Supercomputing

Faint emission lines can be extremely difficult and time-consuming to detect depending on their strength. To bypass these hurdles, researchers utilized powerful computing systems to model the behavior of more than 700 potential emission lines via atomic physics calculations. The team found that certain emission lines show extreme sensitivity to changes in temperature and density within surrounding nebulas. This sensitivity makes them effective diagnostic tools for studying rapidly expanding objects like supernova remnants and large gas clouds.

Next Steps for Verification and Open Data

While the conclusions remain theoretical, the research team plans to verify their data using the James Webb Space Telescope and ground-based observatories that specialize in tracking chemical variations across space and time. Co-authors on the project include Sultana Nahar from The Ohio State University and first author Zher Samak from Al-Aqsa University in Gaza, Palestine. The research team intends to make their findings publicly available to allow other scientists to compare datasets with novel atomic analyses.