NEW DELHI — An Indian amateur astronomer has identified a rare radio galaxy whose structure resembles a bow and arrow, a finding that could deepen understanding of galaxy evolution and the behavior of supermassive black holes.
The discovery was made by S. R. Mohan, a software engineer and self‑taught radio astronomer from Tamil Nadu, while analyzing data from the Low‑Frequency Array (LOFAR) telescope network. The object, catalogued as LOFAR J1235+2748, displays twin jets of relativistic particles that curve outward before converging into a compact “arrowhead” region, a morphology not previously documented in radio surveys.
Mohan’s analysis, posted on the citizen‑science platform Zooniverse, prompted professional astronomers at the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) in Pune to examine the source. In a brief statement, NCRA astronomer Dr. R. K. Singh confirmed that the radio morphology is consistent with a “bow‑shock” formed when the galaxy’s jets interact with a dense intergalactic medium, while the arrow‑shaped termination may indicate a recent change in jet direction.
The finding adds to a small set of known “X‑shaped” and “winged” radio galaxies, which are thought to arise from black‑hole spin reorientation or galaxy mergers. Researchers plan to obtain higher‑resolution observations with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) to test these scenarios.
Mohan’s work underscores the growing impact of citizen science in astrophysics. “Amateur contributions are becoming increasingly valuable as data volumes explode,” said Dr. Singh. “This discovery highlights how non‑professional observers can help uncover rare phenomena that might otherwise be missed.”
Analysis:
The bow‑and‑arrow configuration suggests a complex interaction between the central active galactic nucleus and its surrounding environment. If the jets are being deflected by dense gas, it could imply that the host galaxy resides in a relatively rich group or cluster, offering a natural laboratory for studying feedback processes. Alternatively, a sudden shift in jet direction could point to a recent merger or a spin‑flip of the supermassive black hole, phenomena that have been theorized but are rarely observed directly. Confirming either hypothesis will require multi‑wavelength data, particularly X‑ray imaging to map the ambient gas and very‑long‑baseline interferometry to resolve the jet’s inner structure.
Sources
Indian Express. “Indian astronomers, scientists discover bow‑and‑arrow radio galaxy.” https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-astronomers-scientists-bow-and-arrow-radio-galaxy-10775495/
Story synopsis gathered from: Indian Express – India — source
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