We've spotted the strongest microwave laser in the known universe
New Scientist
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Scientists have uncovered the brightest and most distant example of a cosmic microwave laser, or maser, ever observed. This powerful beam of focused radiation was spotted in the galaxy H1429-0028, nearly 8 billion light years away, using South Africa's MeerKAT telescope. The discovery was made serendipitously while researchers were searching for galaxies rich in molecular hydrogen. Instead, they found an exceptionally strong signal at a higher frequency, indicating the presence of a highly energetic maser.
The formation of such a bright maser is tied to the collision of two galaxies. As they merge, gas and dust are compressed, leading to the creation of new stars and exciting hydroxyl ions in the process. When these ions are bombarded by intense radiation, such as from a supermassive black hole, they emit a concentrated beam of microwave energy—known as a maser. This particular example is so luminous that it may qualify as a "gigamaser," far exceeding the capabilities of previously observed megamasers in closer galaxies.
The discovery was aided by gravitational lensing, where the mass of an intervening galaxy magnified the light from H1429-0028. This phenomenon not only made the maser visible to Earth but also provided astronomers with a unique opportunity to study extreme astrophysical phenomena in distant systems. The find could pave the way for identifying similar features using future instruments like the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), which will offer unprecedented sensitivity and resolution.
This breakthrough highlights the importance of galaxy mergers in creating ideal conditions for maser formation—specifically, environments with both dense molecular clouds and strong radio emission. Such studies promise to deepen our understanding of early galaxy evolution and the mechanisms behind these rare but luminous cosmic phenomena. As SKA comes online, scientists anticipate uncovering even more distant examples, offering a window into the universe's earliest epochs.
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Originally published on New Scientist on 2/20/2026