Most Distant Galaxy Gives Clues to Early Universe

NinjaT writes "From CNN, 'Scientists said on Wednesday that they have found the most distant galaxy yet, nearly 13 billion light-years away, in a discovery that could help explain how stars were formed at the dawn of time. The galaxy, named IOK-1, is so far away that the light waves that reached Earth depict it as the system of stars existed shortly after the Big Bang created the universe 13.66 billion years ago. That period, known to astronomers as the Dark Ages, saw the formation of the first stars and galaxies from elementary particles. Scientists had been unable to directly observe that time period until now.'"

The galaxy, named IOK-1

[Anonymous Coward]

Well I think that name is A-OK.

I know cosmology is an inexact science but

[Silver Sloth]

From TFA

The scientists found another object similar to IOK-1, but could not say if it was a distant galaxy or something else such as a black hole.

• Galaxy - lots of stars spread over a vast area - low average density
• Black hole - one star compressed into a relatively small area - high average density

Easily confused then.

Re:What I find difficult to understand

[Anonymous Coward]

Please, don't use acronyms ending in AA around here. You're scaring the nerds.

A long time ago,

[psicop]

in a galaxy, far, far away...

I finally made my first post, it's just now arriving from IOK-1.

--Not enough Bothans died to bring you this message.

Re:What I find difficult to understand

[$RANDOMLUSER]

I'm sorry, which one of those links said you could turn lead into gold???