Researchers using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have made significant strides in understanding the formation of early galaxies and the characteristics of Centaur 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1.
On October 11, 2024, astronomers reported observing an infant galaxy from just 700 million years after the Big Bang. This galaxy, part of the JWST Advanced Extragalactic Survey (JADES), showed active star formation, with a dense core similar to modern galaxies but with star formation occurring further from the center. This 'inside-out' growth pattern confirms predictions made by theoretical models and helps enhance our understanding of galaxy evolution.
In another study, the JWST provided unprecedented detail on Centaur 29P, revealing it to be one of the most active geological objects in our solar system. The telescope detected carbon monoxide jets and carbon dioxide plumes, but no water vapor, suggesting extremely low temperatures. Researchers created a 3D model of the jets, indicating they originate from different areas of the Centaur's core, hinting at a complex formation history.
These findings not only deepen our knowledge of the early universe but also offer insights into the remnants of our solar system's formation, illustrating the transformative power of the James Webb Space Telescope in contemporary astronomy.