A recent exploration of James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) data initially led to the identification of extremely red objects (EROs) as potential transitionary quasars. However, further analysis unveiled striking similarities between EROs and blue-excess dust obscured galaxies (BluDOGs) previously observed in Subaru Telescope data.
Quasars, enigmatic celestial objects fueled by supermassive black holes, pose a significant research challenge regarding their formation. The prevailing theory suggests their emergence within galaxies obscured by clouds of gas and dust, shielding the nascent quasar until it gains sufficient power to disperse the shrouding clouds. The key lies in capturing the brief period when a quasar breaks free from its concealment.
Examining JWST data, researchers initially pinpointed EROs as potential candidates for these transitionary quasars. However, insights from the Subaru Telescope, located in Hawai’i, revealed a crucial detail – despite being labeled “red,” EROs exhibited a substantial blue component, akin to BluDOGs observed in Big Data from the Subaru Telescope and detailed in a report the previous year.
Careful analysis suggested that EROs and BluDOGs likely belong to the same category of objects, yet notable differences exist. One hypothesis proposes that EROs might represent an earlier evolutionary stage compared to BluDOGs. To unravel the true relationship between EROs, BluDOGs, and quasars, a more extensive sample of candidates must be assembled.
The Astrophysical Journal Letters features the latest paper on these findings, with previous revelations documented in The Astrophysical Journal. The quest for understanding will continue with a broader sample, scrutinized by the next generation of astronomical instruments, including the Japanese-infrared space telescope project known as GREX-PLUS.