IMPHAL : Ronaldo Laishram has led an international team of researchers in discovering a massive protocluster of young galaxies dating back nearly 12.6 billion years, shedding new light on how galaxies evolved in the early Universe.

The discovery, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, identifies a giant galaxy structure named the “Loktak Protocluster”, inspired by Loktak Lake, the iconic freshwater lake in Manipur known for its interconnected floating phumdis.

Astronomers said the protocluster existed when the Universe was only around 1.2 billion years old. A protocluster is considered an early-stage galaxy cluster – a vast grouping of galaxies still forming under the influence of gravity.

The newly discovered system consists of four interconnected concentrations of galaxies evolving together within a dense cosmic environment, drawing parallels with the floating formations seen across Loktak Lake.

Dr Laishram, currently a researcher at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, said naming the structure after Loktak was a tribute to his roots in Manipur.

“Loktak is deeply connected to Manipur’s identity. Naming this discovery after Loktak Lake is my way of connecting our home with the wider Universe,” he said, adding that “the name Loktak will continue to echo in the story of the Universe”.

The research team used observations gathered from the Subaru Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope to examine the distant structure in unprecedented detail.

According to the study, galaxies located within dense cosmic environments were already evolving differently from galaxies in less crowded regions during the early stages of the Universe. The findings suggest that a galaxy’s surroundings may play a crucial role in shaping its growth and development.

Originally from Khangabok in Manipur’s Thoubal district, Dr Laishram completed both his Master’s degree and PhD in astronomy at Tohoku University before joining the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan in Tokyo.

His interest in astronomy began at an early age, and at just 18, he discovered a preliminary asteroid – an achievement for which he was felicitated by former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.

Apart from his scientific research, Laishram is also the founding coordinator of the Manipur Astronomical Society, which promotes astronomy education and awareness among students and youth across the Northeast.

The research paper, titled “Discovery of a z ? 4.9 Ly? Emitter Protocluster: Wavelength-dependent Environmental Effects on Galaxy Structure”, was authored by Laishram along with an international team of astronomers.