The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has been in operation for just three years, but it has already revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos. Launched on its maiden voyage three years ago, JWST has pushed the boundaries of what we thought was possible in terms of observing distant galaxies and stars.
Infrared light, which is invisible to human eyes, allows JWST to peer into the depths of space with unprecedented clarity. By studying the atmospheres of distant planets, JWST has provided insights into the conditions necessary for life. The telescope’s advanced technology has also enabled it to detect the faintest galaxies, some of which may have played a crucial role in ending the “cosmic dark ages” shortly after the Big Bang.
One of the most intriguing discoveries made by JWST is the existence of massive, blue galaxies that are unlike anything seen before. These galaxies do not contain any dust, which makes them appear shockingly bright and massive. Scientists are struggling to explain the origins of these galaxies, with some suggesting they may have huge stars that collapse without undergoing supernova explosions.
Another significant finding made by JWST is the discovery of unusual chemical features in early galaxies. The telescope has revealed that these galaxies contain a significant amount of nitrogen, far more than what is observed in our Sun. This suggests that there were processes at play in the early universe that are still not fully understood.
JWST has also discovered “little red dots” – extremely compact red colour sources of unknown origin. These objects seem to be both stars and active galactic nuclei at the same time, a phenomenon that defies explanation. Scientists are eager to study these objects further to learn more about the birth of supermassive black holes and stars in galaxies.
Lastly, JWST has uncovered some extremely massive galaxies that formed in the first 700 million years of cosmic history. These galaxies are too big and formed too early for current galaxy formation models to explain. This discovery highlights the need for a new understanding of dark matter and its role in the formation of these objects.
Despite its remarkable discoveries, JWST is still refining our understanding of the universe. The telescope’s findings have revealed many shortcomings of our current models, and scientists are eager to continue exploring the unknown unknowns. With JWST’s advanced technology and continued research, we can expect even more groundbreaking discoveries in the years to come.
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/dead-galaxies-mysterious-red-dots-james-webb-telescopes-findings-so-far-7329153