NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has discovered a galaxy named Firefly Sparkle, existing just 600 million years post-Big Bang and bearing similar mass to the early Milky Way. The newly found galaxy was detected using gravitational lensing, which magnifies and distorts light from distant galaxies.
Researchers determined that Firefly Sparkle’s mass is similar to what the Milky Way’s might have been if it could be “turned back time” to weigh it as it assembled. To achieve this level of precision, Webb’s advanced near-infrared imaging capabilities were paired with gravitational lensing effects.
The team observed 10 distinct star clusters in Firefly Sparkle, which are emitting the bulk of the galaxy’s light. These clusters are surrounded by a soft, disorganized shape, indicating that the galaxy is still forming. The researchers found two galaxies nearby, which may influence how it builds mass over billions of years.
Studying this early galaxy provides insights into the formation and evolution of low-mass galaxies in the universe. This discovery contributes to our understanding of cosmic structures and the origins of the universe.
The research was published on December 11, 2024, in the journal Nature, and is based on data from Webb’s Canadian NIRISS Unbiased Cluster Survey (CANUCS). The James Webb Space Telescope is an international collaboration led by NASA, with key partners ESA and CSA.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/webb-telescope-reveals-milky-ways-ancient-twin-sparkling-from-the-cosmic-dawn