Astronomers Might Use Manganese to Clock the Age of Galaxies

Astronomers at The Ohio State University have discovered that manganese, a rare element in the universe, can be used as a "chronometer" to measure the age of galaxies. The study, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, reveals that manganese in its ionized form, [Mn III], can be detected in H II regions, which are regions of gas and dust around dying stars. The research calculates 1,421 distinct energy levels of manganese and 703 different ways electrons collide with manganese atoms, producing light that can be observed from space. This method allows scientists to measure the ratio of manganese to iron, which changes over time as more manganese is produced in Type Ia supernovae.

The paper provides a data set of what astronomers can expect to find when looking for manganese in the early universe, with spectral lines in the infrared and near-infrared that the James Webb Space Telescope is well-equipped to capture. The research supports the idea that manganese can be used to track the history of galaxy evolution and star formation. The study also highlights that manganese forms much faster in Type Ia supernovae, meaning it is more prevalent in the early universe, and that measuring its ratio with iron can help determine the age of galaxies.

The findings suggest that combining data from manganese with other "chronometers" can provide additional confirmation of the age of structures in the early universe. The research also emphasizes that the spectral lines of manganese are in the infrared and near-infrared, which is a key factor in the success of the study. The study's results offer new insights into the formation of heavy elements and the role of manganese in the universe's evolutionary timeline.

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