Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the most distant known galaxy, JADES-GS-z14-0. Located 13.4 billion light-years away, this galaxy is estimated to be around 300 million years old, challenging our understanding of galaxy formation.
Using the James Webb Space Telescope and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), researchers detected oxygen and heavy metals in the galaxy, which are typically produced by massive stars. This finding suggests that galaxies formed more quickly than expected in the early days of the universe.
The discovery has sparked questions about the earliest galaxies and how they may have evolved. Scientists believe that these galaxies may have formed many more stars, including those on a larger scale, than previously thought. However, further observations are needed to confirm this theory and determine whether JADES-GS-z14-0’s rapid evolution is unique or representative of other early galaxies.
The use of ALMA allowed researchers to study the gas and dust within the galaxy in unprecedented detail. This technology enables scientists to unravel the mysteries of Cosmic Dawn, the period shortly after the Big Bang when the first galaxies formed.
While the discovery is remarkable, it highlights the complexity and nuances of galaxy formation. As scientists continue to explore the early universe, they are gaining valuable insights into its evolution and the conditions under which the first celestial objects emerged.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/20/science/oxygen-most-distant-galaxy/index.html