Chapter 1: Introduction to X-Shaped Galaxies

The MeerKAT telescope has captured a remarkable radio image of the galaxy PKS 2014–55, showcasing its distinctive "X" shape. This unique formation arises as jets of radio waves flow towards the central galaxy, subsequently deflecting into space, creating this intriguing pattern. For years, astronomers have pondered the reasons behind certain galaxies emitting X-shaped jets of radio waves.

Next-generation technology is paving the way for us to uncover some of the Universe's enduring mysteries, and this case is a prime illustration. Most galaxies emit radio waves that typically shoot out twin rays in opposite directions, originating from the black holes at their centers. However, there are exceptions where galaxies project four jets, forming an “X” shape in the cosmos. This phenomenon has perplexed astronomers for years, but researchers from the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) have made significant strides in unraveling this enigma using the cutting-edge MeerKAT telescope. Collaborating with teams from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in the US, as well as scholars from the University of Pretoria and Rhodes University, they have worked diligently on this investigation.

Section 1.1: The MeerKAT Telescope

Launched in 2018, the MeerKAT telescope comprises 64 radio dishes situated in the Karoo semi-desert region of South Africa's Northern Cape province. It has already contributed to several noteworthy discoveries, including observations of massive radio-emitting bubbles at the Milky Way's core and providing stunning insights into distant galaxies. Unraveling the mystery of the X-shaped jets could add to this impressive list.

> "MeerKAT was designed to be the best of its kind in the world. It’s wonderful to see how its unique capabilities are contributing to resolving longstanding questions related to the evolution of galaxies."

> ~ Bernie Fanaroff, Study Co-Author

Subsection 1.1.1: Understanding the X-Shaped Jets

Astronomers have proposed several theories regarding the X-shaped radio jets, including shifts in the rotational direction of the central black hole and its associated jets, the possibility of dual black holes emitting pairs of jets, or the behavior of material falling back into the galaxy and being deflected, forming the additional arms of the "X."

Previous studies lacked the high-resolution imaging afforded by the recent observations conducted with the MeerKAT telescope. One notable "X-galaxy," identified as PKS 2014–55, features a boomerang-like structure, with two arms of the "X" formed by material that falls back into the galaxy before being redirected (as illustrated above).

> "Eventually, they are ‘turned back’ by the pressure of tenuous intergalactic gas. As they flow back towards the central galaxy, they are deflected by its relatively high gas pressure into the shorter, horizontal, arms of the boomerang."

> ~ SARAO

Chapter 2: Publication and Future Implications

The findings have been documented in a comprehensive study available at the Preprint archive aRxiv and have been accepted for publication in the Royal Astronomical Society journal. Stay updated with relevant content by joining my mailing list.