Ancient Galaxy Challenges Understanding of Early Universe, Reveals Surprisingly Mature Star Formation & Oxygen Levels
Jakarta, Indonesia – Astronomers have identified a remarkably mature galaxy, dubbed JADES-GS-Z11-0, that existed just 400 million years after the Big Bang, challenging current models of galactic evolution.The finding, detailed in recent reporting by Media Indonesia, reveals a surprisingly active ”star factory” with unexpectedly high oxygen levels for such an early period in the universe’s history.
The galaxy was initially observed by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and subsequently studied in greater detail using the atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in chile. ALMA’s superior resolution, achieved through its network of 66 interconnected telescopes, allowed scientists to discern surprising details about JADES-GS-Z11-0.
At the time of its formation, the universe was less than 3% of its current age. Despite its early existence, JADES-GS-Z11-0 is classified as a mature galaxy undergoing intense star formation.Researchers estimate the galaxy produces stars at a rate six times the mass of our Sun each year – significantly exceeding the current star formation rate of the Milky Way. The Milky Way, our home galaxy, currently forms stars at a much slower pace, with a considerably smaller total mass created annually.
This rapid star formation makes JADES-GS-Z11-0 an exceptionally bright and prominent object in the early universe. Though, the most startling finding is the detection of considerable amounts of oxygen within the galaxy’s gas clouds, reaching approximately 30% of the levels found in modern galaxies.
The presence of such high oxygen concentrations is perplexing. Oxygen is created through the life cycle of stars – requiring multiple generations of stars to live and die. Given the universe’s young age at the time, the abundance of oxygen suggests either a faster rate of stellar evolution in the early universe than previously understood, or an as-yet-unknown mechanism for oxygen production.
“This discovery is not fully contrary to the theory of the evolution of galaxies, but clearly gives new challenges,” the Media indonesia report states.The finding raises essential questions about the potential for early life in the universe. If oxygen was already abundant, other elements crucial for planet and life formation – such as carbon and silicon – may also have been present.
While scientists caution that further research is needed to definitively answer these questions, the discovery of JADES-GS-Z11-0 provides a crucial new data point for understanding the conditions in the early universe and the potential for the emergence of life. The research builds on recent findings from JWST, including the discovery of 14 “sleeping” galaxies in the early universe and NASA’s ongoing survey of 100,000 galaxies using the SPHEREx telescope.
(source: Media Indonesia – https://mediaindonesia.com/teknologi/800731/galaksi-purba-ungkap-misteri-oksigen-di-awal-alam-semesta)
