India’s MACE Telescope Detects an 8-Billion-Year-Old Cosmic Explosion

India has made another remarkable contribution to space research. The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) telescope, located in Ladakh, has detected a massive gamma-ray flare from a distant quasar. This cosmic explosion is estimated to be around 8 billion years old—older than Earth itself.

A Glimpse into the Early Universe

The discovery was made on Republic Day 2025 by scientists from Mumbai’s Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). They observed a powerful gamma-ray burst from quasar OP 313, also known as B2 1308+326. This quasar is located 8 billion light-years away, meaning the explosion took place when the universe was less than half its current age.

To put this in perspective, a light-year is a measure of distance, not time. Light from the Sun takes about eight minutes to reach Earth, which is roughly 150 million kilometers away. The gamma-ray burst observed by MACE took 8 billion years to reach us, providing a rare glimpse into the early universe.

What is a Gamma-Ray Flare?

Gamma-ray flares are intense bursts of high-energy radiation that originate from powerful cosmic sources, such as quasars and supernovae. Quasars, like OP 313, are active galactic nuclei powered by supermassive black holes. When matter falls into these black holes, it releases enormous amounts of energy, often in the form of gamma rays.

Such flares help scientists understand the behavior of black holes and the formation of galaxies. By studying these ancient signals, astronomers can learn more about how the universe evolved over billions of years.

Why is This Discovery Important?

1. Understanding Cosmic History: The gamma-ray flare detected by MACE allows scientists to study the early universe and how celestial bodies formed.
2. Advancing Indian Space Research: This discovery showcases India’s growing capabilities in space and astrophysical research.
3. Enhancing Astronomical Tools: Observations from MACE contribute to improving telescopes and detection methods for future space studies.

India’s Growing Role in Space Exploration

India has been making significant strides in space research, from ISRO’s Mars mission to the Chandrayaan moon landings. With the MACE telescope detecting such a distant event, Indian astronomers continue to push the boundaries of cosmic exploration.

This discovery is a milestone in understanding the universe’s early days and proves that India’s scientific community is at the forefront of space research.

References and Further Reading

1. ISRO – Indian Space Research Organisation
2. NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration
3. BARC – Bhabha Atomic Research Centre