Astronomers Discover Enormous Galaxy 32 Times the Size of the Milky Way

The newly identified 'Inkathazo' challenges existing models with its unusual plasma jets and cluster environment.

The giant radio galaxy 'Inkathazo,' spanning 3.3 million light-years, was discovered using South Africa's MeerKAT telescope.
Its plasma jets, powered by a supermassive black hole, are unusually shaped, with one jet bent instead of extending straight across.
Unlike most giant radio galaxies, Inkathazo is located within a galaxy cluster, raising questions about environmental interactions in its formation.
Researchers created high-resolution spectral age maps, revealing complex plasma dynamics and unexpected energy boosts in the jets.
This discovery highlights the potential of advanced radio telescopes like MeerKAT and the upcoming Square Kilometer Array to uncover more cosmic phenomena.