Galactic spins carry fingerprints of the primordial universe
Researchers led by Ming-Jie Sheng have utilized the ELUCID project to provide evidence for tidal torque theory, which suggests galaxy spins are imprinted by primordial gravitational forces. The study compares observed galaxy spins with reconstructed matter distributions from the early universe.
Why it matters
This research helps solve a fundamental mystery in astrophysics regarding how galaxies acquire their rotation and structure.
edited by Lisa Lock , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Comparing observed and predicted spins in primordial matter, which will eventually form a spinning galaxy. Credit: Nature Astronomy (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-026-02948-w The origin of spin in spiral and elliptical galaxies has posed a long-standing puzzle for astronomers. One idea, known as tidal torque theory, proposes that galaxies' spins are an imprinted record of the early universe, imparted by gravity long before galaxies first formed and still detectable in galaxies today.
Through new research published in Nature Astronomy , a team led by Ming-Jie Sheng at Xiamen University has put that idea to its toughest test yet.
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