New study unlocks galaxies of the early universe

Rochester Institute of Technology scientists are redefining our understanding of the cosmos and the brilliant galaxies of the early universe using data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

In a groundbreaking Nature paper titled “Confirmation and refutation of very luminous galaxies in the early Universe,” Jeyhan Kartaltepe and Rebecca Larson confirmed the existence of radiant galaxies from the early universe while challenging the identification of a potentially record-breaking distant galaxy.

Unveiling galaxies of the early universe

Researchers worldwide, including Kartaltepe and Larson, studied galaxies by analysing their redshift, measuring how much their light has shifted towards longer, red wavelengths. One galaxy, Maisie’s Galaxy, was believed to possess a redshift of z ≈ 11.5, while another in Scotland hinted at a remarkable z ≈ 16, a historical discovery.

Collaborating on a follow-up proposal, the teams obtained crucial spectroscopic data. Kartaltepe explained, “Spectra are how you really confirm what a galaxy’s redshift is.” The results definitively placed Maisie’s Galaxy at its high redshift, proving its existence, while the other galaxy resided at a redshift of z ≈ 4.9.

JWST and it’s cosmic revelations

The JWST unveiled hidden galaxies and validated their redshift values, showcasing its remarkable capabilities. Larson emphasised, “This paper… speaks to the power of not only JWST finding galaxies in the early universe but also confirming and characterizing them.”

The power of not only JWST finding galaxies in the early universe but also confirming and characterizing them

This research thrived on collaboration between the CEERS team and their Scottish counterparts. Their combined efforts streamlined the follow-up spectroscopy process, yielding fresh insights into the universe’s enigmatic past.

Uncovering cosmic shifts of the early universe

JWST’s primary mission goal was to uncover galaxies in the early universe. The telescope has surpassed expectations, proving its prowess in revealing the universe’s secrets. Kartaltepe concluded, “We are already learning so much about the universe early on in JWST’s mission,” promising further exploration of the physical traits of early universe galaxies.