This giant radio galaxy is shaking up our knowledge of astrophysics 🌀

A major astronomical discovery has just been made using the MeerKAT telescope in South Africa. A giant radio galaxy, named Inkathazo, has been identified, with plasma jets extending over phenomenal distances.

This galaxy, whose jets measure 3.3 million light-years, is shaking up current knowledge in astrophysics. Inkathazo, meaning 'trouble' in Xhosa and Zulu languages, intrigues scientists with its unusual characteristics and cosmic environment.


Giant radio galaxies (GRGs) are massive cosmic structures, propelling plasma jets through intergalactic space. These jets, visible at radio frequencies, are powered by supermassive black holes located at the heart of galaxies. The discovery of Inkathazo challenges existing models about the formation and evolution of these cosmic giants.

Kathleen Charlton, a student at the University of Cape Town and first author of the study, highlights the importance of new telescopes like MeerKAT in the explosion of GRG discoveries. Inkathazo, with its unusually shaped plasma jets, offers a unique opportunity to study the complex physics of these galaxies.

Inkathazo is located at the center of a galaxy cluster, an environment that should normally limit the growth of plasma jets. This peculiarity raises questions about the influence of environmental interactions in the evolution of GRGs. Researchers used MeerKAT's exceptional capabilities to create high-resolution spectral maps, revealing intriguing structures in Inkathazo's jets.

Dr. Kshitij Thorat, co-author of the study, explains that this discovery provides a unique opportunity to study the physics of GRGs in detail. The results suggest that current models do not capture the full complexity of the physical processes at play in these extreme galaxies.


The discovery of Inkathazo, along with two other GRGs in the same region of the sky, indicates that the southern sky may harbor a hidden treasure trove of giant radio galaxies. The MeerKAT telescope, a precursor to the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), plays a key role in this exploration, opening new perspectives for radio astronomy.

Dr. Jacinta Delhaize, a researcher at the University of Cape Town, emphasizes the importance of MeerKAT in this new era of astronomical discoveries. With the SKA, scientists hope to unravel the mysteries surrounding giant radio galaxies and better understand the Universe we live in.

What is a giant radio galaxy?

Giant radio galaxies (GRGs) are among the largest known structures in the Universe. They are characterized by plasma jets that extend over millions of light-years, far beyond the size of the host galaxy itself.

These jets are powered by supermassive black holes located at the center of galaxies. As matter falls toward the black hole, some of it is ejected at speeds close to that of light, forming the observed plasma jets.

GRGs have traditionally been considered rare, but recent technological advancements, especially with telescopes like MeerKAT, have led to the discovery of an increasing number of them. These discoveries challenge our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution.

The study of GRGs provides valuable clues about the extreme physical processes occurring around supermassive black holes and the impact of cosmic environments on galaxy evolution.

How are telescopes like MeerKAT revolutionizing astronomy?

MeerKAT, located in South Africa, is one of the most sensitive radio telescopes in the world. It is part of the precursors to the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), an international project aiming to build the largest radio telescope array in the world.

Thanks to its exceptional sensitivity and resolution, MeerKAT has enabled major discoveries, such as the giant radio galaxy Inkathazo. These advances are crucial for understanding the most enigmatic cosmic phenomena.

MeerKAT is particularly well positioned to observe the southern sky, a region still largely unexplored for GRGs. This strategic position, combined with its technical capabilities, opens new perspectives for astronomy.

The discoveries made with MeerKAT are paving the way for the SKA, which promises to revolutionize our understanding of the Universe by providing even more detailed images and revealing cosmic phenomena previously invisible to our instruments.