Scientists at the University of Missouri have identified 300 objects that are brighter than expected using infrared images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. The objects, which could be early galaxies, challenge current ideas about how galaxies formed in the universe.
To confirm their nature, researchers used a step-by-step process combining advanced technology and detailed analysis. They started by spotting clues using two powerful infrared cameras on JWST. Since light travels farther through space, it stretches into longer wavelengths as an object moves away from us, which helps determine its distance.
The team then applied the “dropout” technique to detect high-redshift galaxies that appear in redder wavelengths but vanish in bluer ones. This phenomenon is caused by the absorption of ultraviolet light by neutral hydrogen and can be used to estimate redshifts.
However, full spectroscopic data was not available for all objects, so researchers relied on spectral energy distribution fitting to make estimates. They believe their findings deserve a closer look and may challenge existing theories of galaxy formation.
To confirm their discovery, the team plans to use spectroscopy, the gold standard technique that breaks light into different wavelengths. While one object has already been confirmed as an early galaxy, additional confirmations are needed to determine if current theories are being challenged.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-08-early-galaxies-webb-uncovers-unusually.html