Interpretation/Discussion
The interpretation of these results is that fewer galaxies exist and interact as the distance to a quasar decreases. Given what is known about the luminosities of quasars, this interpretation could be incorrect due to the brightness distorting the light of other nearby galaxies or sources of light. This large quantity of light could potentially have such a spread that it leads to a greater apparent diameter of the quasar and covers up these objects, and makes them seem like they are all one quasi-stellar object. However, this trend may also suggest that galactic activity is not as common around quasars as it is elsewhere in the observable universe. Another possibility is that the supermassive black holes at the center of these quasars are massive enough to cause nearby galaxies to merge with it, increasing its mass and size, and removing those objects from view.
Since little is known about the properties of quasars and active galactic nuclei in general, it is difficult to prove or disprove these correlations. Further studies that entail larger sample sizes may either show that these trends hold true, or that the patterns dissent. Given that the Hubble Space Telescope was launched in 1990 and the James Webb Space Telescope is set to launch in the near future of 2021, these surveyed images could be better visualized with the more modern and powerful technology. This new technology potentially allows for a better view into the universe’s past and these distant quasars, which might reveal completely unforeseeable data and correlations.
Since little is known about the properties of quasars and active galactic nuclei in general, it is difficult to prove or disprove these correlations. Further studies that entail larger sample sizes may either show that these trends hold true, or that the patterns dissent. Given that the Hubble Space Telescope was launched in 1990 and the James Webb Space Telescope is set to launch in the near future of 2021, these surveyed images could be better visualized with the more modern and powerful technology. This new technology potentially allows for a better view into the universe’s past and these distant quasars, which might reveal completely unforeseeable data and correlations.