South African scientists detect ‘radio laser’ 8 billion light years away

South African researchers have discovered a record-breaking cosmic ‘radio laser’ from a galaxy more than eight billion light-years away, marking another breakthrough linked to the country’s MeerKAT radio telescope.

The discovery was made by a team led by Dr Thato Manamela, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pretoria, using the MeerKAT telescope near Carnarvon in the Northern Cape.

The signal is not a visible beam of light but a powerful radio emission, a naturally occurring microwave laser deep in space.

Manamela explained the finding in simple terms:

“What we’ve discovered is a natural laser that can only be seen in the microwave.”

Signal created by colliding galaxies

According to the researchers, the radio laser forms when hydrogen and oxygen molecules become highly energised during the collision of two galaxies.

As these galaxies merge, the gas at their core becomes compressed and excited, producing an intense, focused radio emission known as a mega-maser.

“This emission happens right at the core of the two colliding galaxies,” Manamela said.

Because the signal is compact and powerful, it can travel across billions of light-years and still be detected by telescopes on Earth.

Why the discovery matters

Scientists say the detection is important because it gives astronomers a rare window into the early universe.

By studying these radio lasers, researchers can learn how galaxies formed, merged and produced stars billions of years ago.

Manamela said the signal helps overcome one of astronomy’s biggest challenges: cosmic dust that blocks normal light from distant galaxies.

“This type of emission is telling us how galaxies evolved in the early universe.”

Unlike ordinary light, the radio signal can pass through dust, allowing astronomers to study distant galaxies that would otherwise remain hidden.

Clues about black holes and gravitational waves

The discovery could also help scientists better understand supermassive black holes and gravitational waves.

When galaxies collide, their central black holes may eventually move toward each other, potentially producing gravitational waves, ripples in space-time that scientists are still working to study in detail.

The newly detected radio laser may therefore provide indirect clues about how these extreme cosmic events unfold.

Boost for South African space science

The finding is another example of how South African research infrastructure, including the MeerKAT telescope and the country’s growing space science sector, continues to produce globally significant discoveries.

Scientists hope breakthroughs like this will inspire more young South Africans to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The discovery reinforces South Africa’s position as a major contributor to international astronomy research and highlights the scientific power of the MeerKAT telescope in unlocking the secrets of the universe.

For more detailed information, listen to Manamela using the audio player below: