Astronomers analyzing data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have found that some of the oldest galaxies in our universe are larger and brighter than expected. This suggests they formed early and grew rapidly, potentially without the influence of dark matter. The researchers believe these findings support an alternative theory to dark matter called modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND), which was first proposed in 1982.
According to Stacy McGaugh, an astrophysicist at Case Western Reserve University, the data shows that early galaxies grew too big and quickly, contradicting conventional cold dark matter models. However, MOND predicts this rapid growth, aligning with the team’s findings.
While MOND has had some success in explaining certain observations, it is not widely accepted as a theory in cosmology due to integration challenges. The researchers acknowledge that finding an alternative explanation for these galaxies’ behavior remains a mystery.
The JWST data provides new clues for understanding galaxy formation and the nature of dark matter, which remains one of the greatest unsolved puzzles in modern astrophysics.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/james-webb-space-telescope/james-webb-space-telescope-finds-galaxies-pointing-toward-a-dark-matter-alternative