The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) launch has enabled astronomers to uncover the mysteries of the universe, including the discovery of “Maisie’s Galaxy,” an early galaxy formed around 390 million years after the Big Bang. Named after the daughter of lead investigator Steven Finkelstein, this galaxy was confirmed using spectroscopy, standing among the four earliest galaxies ever found. JWST’s data collection helps estimate galaxies’ redshifts, reflecting their distance and age. The Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science Survey (CEERS) team is investigating other potential ancient galaxies, striving to understand the universe’s earliest moments.
Prelims pointer
- James Webb Space Telescope (JWST): A groundbreaking space telescope launched to explore the cosmos with enhanced capabilities compared to its predecessors, offering insights into the universe’s early stages and phenomena.
- Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science Survey (CEERS): A research initiative using the JWST to observe and study early galaxies, aiming to understand the evolution of the universe and its structures.
- Redshift: A phenomenon where light waves from distant objects, like galaxies, shift towards the red end of the spectrum due to the universe’s expansion. Redshift helps astronomers gauge the distance and age of celestial objects.
- Spectroscopy: A technique used to analyze light, splitting it into its various wavelengths to reveal information about the composition, temperature, and motion of celestial objects.
- Photometry: A method of measuring the brightness of light in different filters to gather information about celestial objects. It aids in estimating properties like redshift and distance in the absence of detailed spectra.
