Indian researcher names ancient galaxy structure after Manipur’s Loktak Lake

A 29-year-old named Dr Ronaldo Laishram, an Indian astrophysicist researcher at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, has reportedly discovered a massive ancient structure of galaxies and named it the ‘Loktak Protocluster’ after Manipur’s famous Loktak Lake.

The Loktak Protocluster is believed to be around 12.6 billion years old. Scientists described it as a city of galaxies that was still forming in the early universe through gravitational forces. The discovery shows the condition of the universe when it was only 1.2 billion years old, as per reports.

The research was reportedly published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Scientists used data from the Subaru Telescope and NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to identify the galaxy structure.

Dr Laishram reportedly said he chose the name ‘Loktak’ because the structure of the galaxies reminded him of an aerial view of Loktak Lake. The four galaxy groups are connected to each other in a way similar to the floating phumdis found on the lake.

Researchers also stated that the Loktak Protocluster contains multiple dense galaxy concentrations connected within one massive structure. The study reportedly involved an international team of researchers who analysed light coming from distant galaxies to understand their formation and structure. Scientists said such observations help researchers study how matter gathered together in the early universe to form massive galaxy clusters over billions of years.

Dr Laishram is originally from Khangabok in Thoubal district of Manipur. He completed his Master’s degree and PhD in astronomy from Tohoku University and is currently working in Tokyo.