NenuFAR Radio Telescope sheds light on formation of Universe's first stars
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Jan 18, 2024

The NenuFAR Cosmic Dawn project, an ambitious initiative dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the universe's earliest epochs, has recently achieved a significant milestone in its exploration of the Cosmic Dawn. This period, critical to our understanding of the universe, marks the formation of the first stars. Utilizing the capabilities of the NenuFAR radio telescope, researchers have established an upper limit on the amplitude of neutral hydrogen fluctuations at 21 cm from this distant time, advancing our comprehension of the conditions surrounding the formation of these primordial stars.

Located at the Nancay Radioastronomy Observatory in France, the NenuFAR (New Extension in Nancay Upgrading LOFAR) is a state-of-the-art low-frequency radio interferometer. It stands out for its large collecting surface, which grants it exceptional sensitivity in observing the 21 cm signal emanating from the Cosmic Dawn. This signal, arising from the 21cm transition line of neutral hydrogen, is pivotal in studying the early universe, approximately 180 million years post-Big Bang.

The project's recent study, focusing on one night of observation of the North Celestial Pole deep field, has offered new limits on the fluctuations of the 21 cm transition line from neutral hydrogen. These findings are vital in probing the formation conditions of the universe's first stars, a key epoch in cosmic evolution. The complexity of observing this signal cannot be understated, as it involves overcoming interferences from our galaxy and other celestial sources that overshadow the weak signal from the Cosmic Dawn. To this end, the research team has implemented advanced techniques aiming to isolate this elusive signal.

Despite these significant strides, the journey to fully understand the Cosmic Dawn is still in its infancy. Many challenges remain in directly observing this signal, which holds the secrets to the early universe's conditions. The team is committed to refining their analysis and observational methods, with the ultimate goal of directly capturing the Cosmic Dawn, thereby opening a new window into our universe's formative years.

This endeavor not only represents a critical step in astrophysics but also underscores the innovative capabilities of radio astronomy in probing the universe's most distant and formative periods. As the NenuFAR project continues, it promises to shed more light on the enigmatic Cosmic Dawn, bringing us closer to understanding the genesis of the cosmos.

Research Report:First upper limits on the 21-cm signal power spectrum from the Cosmic Dawn from one night of observations with NenuFAR. Munshi

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