A scientific team using the NASA Hubble Space Telescope has announced the discovery of a new type of astronomical object: a gas cloud rich in dark matter and completely devoid of stars, considered a remnant from the earliest stages of galaxy formation.
The cloud, named “Cloud-9,” is the first confirmed observation of what is theoretically known as a “failed galaxy.” The discovery results were published and presented on Monday, January 6, 2025, following the 247th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
The lead researcher of the study stated, “This is the story of a galaxy that failed to form… In science, we learn more from failures than from successes. The absence of stars here is the evidence that confirms the theory.”
This object is scientifically classified as a “RELHIC,” a cloud of neutral hydrogen, a primordial remnant from the early universe that was unable to form stars. The lead author of the study confirmed that before the Hubble Telescope, this cloud could have been considered a faint dwarf galaxy, “but Hubble’s sensitivity settled the matter: there are absolutely no stars in it.”
The cloud is located 14 million light-years from Earth, has a diameter of about 4,900 light-years, and contains hydrogen gas with a mass equivalent to a million times that of the Sun, while its dark matter mass is estimated at about five billion solar masses. Scientists believe this discovery indicates the existence of a large number of similar small structures in the universe—failed galaxies that have not yet been observed.
“Cloud-9” was first discovered three years ago via a radio survey using China’s giant FAST radio telescope, then confirmed by the Green Bank Observatory and the Very Large Array in the United States. However, only Hubble was able to confirm its complete lack of stars.
Scientists confirm that this discovery opens a new door to understanding galaxy formation, dark matter, and the early universe, demonstrating that studying gas and dark matter—not just stars—is essential to seeing the full picture of the cosmos.
The Hubble Space Telescope has been operating for over 30 years as part of an international collaboration and continues to deliver discoveries that reshape our fundamental understanding of the universe.
NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope
The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope is a large, space-based observatory launched in 1990 that has revolutionized astronomy by providing exceptionally clear images of the universe free from Earth’s atmospheric distortion. A joint project between NASA and the European Space Agency, its history includes a crucial 1993 servicing mission to correct a flaw in its primary mirror, which allowed it to fulfill its mission of making groundbreaking discoveries about the age, expansion, and composition of the cosmos.
Cloud-9
“Cloud-9” is a fictional, idyllic location from the television series *The Office*, depicted as a perfect, stress-free paradise. It originated as a concept in the show’s ninth season, representing a mental escape for the character Andy Bernard during a period of personal and professional turmoil.
American Astronomical Society
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) is a major professional organization for astronomers in North America, founded in 1899 to promote and share astronomical research. It supports the astronomical community through publications, meetings, and public education initiatives.
Phoenix
Phoenix is the capital and largest city of Arizona, founded in 1867 on the ruins of ancient Hohokam settlements. It grew rapidly as an agricultural hub following the construction of the Roosevelt Dam and later became a major center for industry and winter tourism in the American Southwest.
Arizona
Arizona is a southwestern U.S. state known for its desert landscape and iconic natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, which reveals billions of years of geological history. Historically, it was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, became part of Mexico after Spanish colonization, and was later ceded to the United States in 1848 before achieving statehood in 1912.
USA
The United States of America is a federal republic founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain. Its history is marked by westward expansion, industrialization, and its emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century. The nation is defined by its diverse population, democratic institutions, and significant cultural influence worldwide.
Hubble Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope is a space-based observatory launched by NASA in 1990, which has revolutionized astronomy by providing unprecedented deep views of the universe free from Earth’s atmospheric distortion. Its history includes a crucial repair mission in 1993 to correct a flaw in its primary mirror, after which it began capturing iconic images that have dramatically advanced our understanding of cosmic phenomena.
Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope is a space-based observatory launched into low Earth orbit in 1990 by NASA with contributions from the European Space Agency. It has revolutionized astronomy by providing exceptionally clear and deep images of the universe, free from the distortion of Earth’s atmosphere, leading to numerous groundbreaking discoveries about the age and expansion of the cosmos.
China’s giant FAST radio telescope
China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST), located in Guizhou province, is the world’s largest single-dish radio telescope, which began full operations in 2020. Its construction, completed in 2016, was a major scientific project aimed at advancing astronomical research, including the search for extraterrestrial life and pulsars.
Green Bank Observatory
The Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia, USA, is a major radio astronomy facility established in 1956. It is located within the National Radio Quiet Zone to protect its sensitive telescopes from interference, allowing it to conduct pioneering research into cosmic phenomena. Its most famous instrument is the Green Bank Telescope, which is the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope.
Very Large Array
The Very Large Array (VLA) is a radio astronomy observatory located in New Mexico, USA, consisting of 27 movable radio antennas arranged in a Y-shaped configuration. It was built in the 1970s and began operations in 1980, designed to observe celestial phenomena like black holes, star formation, and distant galaxies with exceptional resolution. The VLA has been upgraded over the decades and remains one of the world’s premier tools for radio astronomy.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain, with its modern government established by the Constitution in 1789. Its history encompasses westward expansion, the Civil War, industrialization, and its emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century. The nation is defined by its diverse population, democratic ideals, and significant cultural and economic influence worldwide.
