INAF Arcetri Journal

The monthly newsletter of the INAF Arcetri Astrophysical Observatory

March-April 2026 | Issue 2

Scientific Spotlight

Einstein Cross rewrites galactic formation

The observation of a rare gravitational lens known as the "Einstein Cross", formed by an elliptical galaxy named J1453g, challenges classical models of elliptical galaxy formation and evolution suggesting more complex growth processes. The study reveals that the composition of this primordial galaxy is similar to that of the Milky Way. J1453g is the first gravitational lens at a large distance whose mass distribution has been measured with unprecedented precision.

The study, published in Nature Astronomy and led by Quirino D'Amato, involved several researchers from INAF Arcetri.

Milky-Way-like stars in a galaxy core 8 billion years ago revealed by gravitational lensing, D'Amato Q., Mannucci F. et al., Nature Astronomy (2026)

Further information:

Credits: Quirino D'Amato

Image of the Triangulum Galaxy by VLT

Observations from VLT have obtained an image of the Triangulum Galaxy with a level of detail never before achieved for a galaxy outside the Milky Way. The image reveals a richly detailed view of the interaction between young stars and surrounding gas, described directly in a complex galactic environment.

The image is part of a study published in Astronomy & Astrophysics and led by Anna Feltre of INAF Arcetri.

M3D: Mosaicking M33 with MUSE datacubes , Feltre A., Belfiore F. et al., Astronomy & Astrophysics (2026)

Further information:

Credits: Eso/A. Feltre, F. Belfiore, G. Cresci et al.

Technological Milestone

Super-resolution for the Sardinia Radio Telescope

The technique of angular "super-resolution" has been demonstrated on the 64-meter diameter Sardinia Radio Telescope of INAF, overcoming the diffraction limit. The result demonstrates that it is possible to distinguish astronomical details and structures that would otherwise be difficult to observe, artificially increasing the instrument's resolving power without changing its diameter and at a low cost.

The study, published in Experimental Astronomy, involved Luca Olmi and Renzo Nesti of INAF Arcetri.

First demonstration of super-resolution with a single-aperture radio telescope, Olmi L., Migoni C. et al., Experimental Astronomy (2026)

Further information:

Integrated continuum maps at 20 GHz of the Crab Nebula performed at the SRT: map obtained using the nominal beam (left panel), map using the SR mode and the TP3a geometry (middle panel) and the deconvolved map in SR mode (right panel): Credits: Olmi et al.

Awards

Sofia Randich was awarded the Vincenzo Ferraro International Medal, sponsored by the Vincenzo Ferraro International Prize Association, for her studies on the formation and evolution of the Milky Way, and in particular on the chemical evolution of the Galaxy.

The award celebrates researchers who have made significant contributions to international scientific advancement, highlighting not only their individual achievements but also the impact of their research on the global scientific community and future generations.