New discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope challenge traditional theories about early galaxy formation. Instead of detecting faint signals from small, primitive galaxies, scientists found large and bright galaxies, contradicting the widely accepted dark matter hypothesis.
Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) theory, which disputes the role of dark matter, suggests a rapid formation of galaxies in the early universe. This idea presents a challenge to the long-held understanding of how the universe’s first structures formed. According to research published in The Astrophysical Journal, the oldest galaxies are unexpectedly large and bright.
Astrophysicist Stacy McGaugh suggests that modified gravity, rather than dark matter, drives galaxy formation. MOND predicts that galaxy formation occurred much faster than the Cold Dark Matter model had anticipated. The theory proposes that mass assembled rapidly and initially expanded outward with the rest of the universe, slowing down before collapsing to form a galaxy.
The results support McGaugh’s claim, as even at higher redshifts, looking earlier into the evolution of the universe, the signals are larger and brighter than expected. This finding aligns with MOND over a quarter century ago and presents a significant challenge to the scientific community.
While some scientists adhere to the “big bang” theory, others support the idea of an eternal universe. The debate rages on, with data supporting both perspectives. However, research suggests that large galaxies could exist at the beginning of a new Big Bang, where stars on the periphery would have disappeared and the core would have more mass.
The discovery highlights the ongoing battle between rival theories and underscores the importance of continued scientific exploration and investigation. As astronomer Stacy McGaugh puts it, “I told you so” – MOND’s predictions were correct all along.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/bright-galaxies-of-the-early-universe-defy-expectations-sending-astronomers-back-to-the-drawing-board