Unique study shows light’s (roundabout) way through galaxies

Researchers working in the international LARS project at Stockholm University have published a unique and comprehensive study on starburst galaxies in the Astrophysical Journal Letter. The researchers have investigated how ultraviolet light of a certain wavelength travels through galaxies, and the results show that the light often takes a detour before it reaches us. One effect of this is that the galaxies appear larger and more diffuse than they really are.