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3rd June 2024 (12 Topics)

Discovery of Earliest-known Galaxy by JWST

Context

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has uncovered a remarkable find - the earliest-known galaxy, challenging previous assumptions about the universe's infancy. This galaxy, named JADES-GS-z14-0, was observed approximately 290 million years after the Big Bang, during a period known as cosmic dawn.

Key Findings:

  • JADES-GS-z14-0 measures about 1,700 light years across and possesses a mass equivalent to 500 million stars like sun.
  • Despite its early formation, it was rapidly generating stars, approximately 20 per year.
  • Surprising Brightness: The brightness and size of this early galaxy defy previous expectations. Scientists were astonished by its luminosity, as it was larger and brighter than anticipated for a galaxy at this early stage.
  • Comparison: While notable for its time, JADES-GS-z14-0 is dwarfed by present-day galaxies like Milky Way, which spans about 100,000 light years and contains the mass of around 10 billion sun-sized stars.
  • Second Discovery: In addition to JADES-GS-z14-0, the JWST also identified the second oldest-known galaxy, JADES-GS-z14-1, dating back approximately 303 million years post-Big Bang. This galaxy, although smaller, still exhibited significant star formation.
  • Implications: These discoveries challenge existing theories about early galaxy formation. They hint at a denser, more gas-rich environment in the early universe, with star formation processes differing markedly from those seen today.

Fact Box: About James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

  • JWST is a cutting-edge observatory designed for infrared observations, equipped with advanced instruments to address key questions in astronomy.
  • Named after former NASA administrator James E. Webb, it represents a collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency.
  • Key Features:
    • Optimized for Infrared: JWST boasts a large aperture telescope tailored for infrared observations, enabling it to explore a wide range of astronomical phenomena.
    • Operational Orbit: Positioned at the Earth-Sun L2 Lagrange point, about 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth, JWST benefits from simplified operation, pointing, and stability requirements compared to the Hubble Space Telescope.
    • Temperature Control: Operating at an ultra-low temperature of -233°C (-387°F), JWST's instruments are kept cold to prevent their own infrared emissions from interfering with astronomical signals.

L2 Point Explanation:

  • Lagrange Points are regions where the gravitational forces of the Sun and Earth balance the orbital motion of a satellite, allowing it to maintain a fixed position relative to both celestial bodies with minimal energy expenditure.
  • L2 Point: Specifically, the second Lagrange Point (L2) is one of five such points in space. Placing a spacecraft at L2 enables it to remain in a stable position relative to the Earth and Sun.

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