A team of astronomers from the University of Tokyo and Niigata University have made an intriguing discovery of what they are calling “peculiar embedded icy objects” in deep space, sparking speculation about their true nature. The astronomers—Takashi Shimonishi, Itsuki Sakon, and Takashi Onaka—have recently posted a paper on the arXiv preprint server detailing their findings and discussing possible explanations for these mysterious objects, which are located thousands of light years away from Earth.
The Initial Discovery
The discovery began in 2021, when data from the AKARI space telescope, which was active from 2006 to 2011, revealed two unusual celestial objects. Initially, the team could not determine what these objects were, as their characteristics were not easily categorized by current astronomical models. Thus, the researchers decided to wait for additional data that might provide more clarity on their nature.
The breakthrough came when data was obtained from ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter Array), a cutting-edge radio telescope in Chile. ALMA provides high-resolution data, particularly useful for observing far-off, faint objects in space. However, as the new data was analyzed, the nature of the objects only became more perplexing, deepening the mystery surrounding them.
The Nature of the Objects
Upon further examination, the research team discovered that both objects appeared to have similarities to icy spheres, a kind of celestial body typically observed in some parts of the solar system. They noted that both objects are located in the outer regions of the Milky Way galaxy, far from the core. This is an unusual location for objects of this nature, as icy bodies are typically found in more distant, outer reaches or in planetary nebulae in more densely populated regions of galaxies.
Despite the initial hypothesis that the objects could be typical stellar bodies or even stars yet to be discovered, the team’s analysis suggests this is unlikely. The objects’ positions in space are far removed from areas where star formation usually occurs. This finding suggests that the objects are not stars at all but perhaps something altogether different—like gas clouds, icy fragments, or remnants of ancient stellar formations.
The Discrepancy in Distance
One of the most perplexing aspects of this discovery is the conflicting data concerning the distances of these two objects. According to infrared data gathered from the telescopes, the two objects are near each other in the night sky. However, their distances from Earth are vastly different according to different sources. Data from one telescope shows one object at approximately 6,500 lightyears away, while data from another source places the same object at around 30,000 lightyears. The second object has a more consistent reading, with both data sources indicating that it is located roughly 43,700 lightyears away from Earth.
These discrepancies in distance measurements suggest that the objects’ nature and origin might not be as straightforward as initially thought. They also indicate that more detailed observation and analysis are needed, and that current technologies might not yet be fully equipped to measure such objects with absolute precision.
Size and Composition
In addition to their uncertain distance, both objects appear to be around 10 times the size of the solar system—a relatively small size for gas clouds in the galaxy. For comparison, the Orion Nebula, a massive stellar nursery, spans hundreds of times the size of the solar system. This small size has led the researchers to propose that the objects could be dense clouds of gas, though their odd characteristics make it difficult to definitively classify them.
Furthermore, the researchers noted a crucial detail in the chemical composition of the gas surrounding both objects. Infrared observations have revealed that the gas appears to be mostly silicon dioxide (SiO₂), with some carbon dioxide (CO₂) mixed in. The prevalence of silicon dioxide, a compound typically found in cosmic dust, is a feature that has been associated with the formation of young stellar objects in the galaxy. In fact, the chemical fingerprint is very similar to that seen in the early stages of star formation.
While the high concentration of silicon dioxide and carbon dioxide is reminiscent of gas clouds surrounding newborn stars, there is one major discrepancy: the lack of any clear indicators of ongoing star formation in the regions where these objects are located. This leads to the hypothesis that these objects may be isolated remnants or evolving formations, rather than being the early stages of star creation.
What’s Next for the Research?
Despite the intriguing data collected thus far, the researchers were quick to note that the available evidence is not sufficient to fully identify these peculiar objects. They pointed out that much more comprehensive observations are required to determine their nature with certainty.
Looking ahead, the researchers are hopeful that the next-generation James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), set to begin its operations after years of delays, will be able to provide clearer and more detailed data on these objects. The JWST, which will be capable of observing the universe in infrared wavelengths with greater precision, is expected to offer insights into the composition, structure, and potential origins of these distant objects.
By studying these enigmatic objects further, scientists may gain new insights into the formation of galaxies, stars, and planetary systems, potentially uncovering new types of cosmic bodies previously undetected. The unusual characteristics of these objects could reveal phenomena that challenge existing astronomical theories and expand our understanding of the universe in novel ways.
Conclusion
In summary, the discovery of these peculiar, icy objects is an exciting development in the field of astronomy. Although their exact nature remains unclear, their strange behavior and unusual chemical compositions make them intriguing candidates for further study. The conflicting distance measurements, along with their odd size and the presence of materials often associated with young stellar objects, suggest that these objects are unlike anything astronomers have encountered before.
The continued analysis of these mysterious bodies, with the help of upcoming space telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope, promises to provide further breakthroughs in our understanding of deep space. As researchers like Takashi Shimonishi, Itsuki Sakon, and Takashi Onaka continue to delve into the mysteries of the cosmos, these objects might well offer a glimpse into the unknown regions of the universe, awaiting discovery and scientific revelation.
Reference: Takashi Shimonishi et al, ALMA Observations of Peculiar Embedded Icy Objects, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2501.05008