Hydrogen gas clouds surrounding galaxies are far more prevalent than previously thought, according to a new study that reveals hidden pockets of the universe’s first element.
Between 10 billion and 12 billion years ago, a period known as the “cosmic noon”, galaxies were forming stars at their peak rate. This would have needed immense supplies of hydrogen gas, the main ingredient for star formation. However, until recently, just about 3,000 of these gas halos had been detected in the universe.
