Jan 17, 2024 - In a groundbreaking discovery, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has uncovered a mesmerizing array of shapes among distant galaxies in the early universe. The findings, based on images from the Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science (CEERS) Survey, challenge conventional expectations, revealing that many galaxies resemble familiar objects such as pool noodles and surfboards. Lead author Viraj Pandya, a NASA Hubble Fellow, explains that these flattened, elongated shapes are surprisingly common in the early universe, contrasting with their rarity in nearby galaxies.

Galactic Diversity:

The CEERS Survey, focusing on near-infrared images delivered by Webb, explores galaxies estimated to exist when the universe was between 600 million to 6 billion years old. The team's analysis indicates that approximately 50 to 80% of the studied galaxies exhibit flattened, two-dimensional shapes. The diversity includes elongated galaxies, akin to surfboards, and disk-like galaxies resembling frisbees, with the least common being spherical galaxies reminiscent of volleyballs.

Milky Way's Hypothetical Shape:

Addressing the question of where our Milky Way would fit into this cosmic diversity, co-author Haowen Zhang suggests that, if we could rewind the cosmic clock by billions of years, our galaxy might have appeared more like a surfboard. This hypothesis is supported by new evidence and theoretical estimations of the Milky Way's mass during that ancient period.

Galactic Evolution and Size:

The study reveals that these early galaxies are not only diverse in shape but also less massive than their contemporary counterparts. These galaxies serve as precursors to larger, more familiar structures like spirals and ellipticals. Kartheik Iyer, a co-author and NASA Hubble Fellow, notes that the early universe allowed galaxies less time to grow, emphasizing the significance of identifying additional categories for these celestial bodies.

Webb's Contribution:

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, with its sensitivity, high-resolution capabilities, and specialization in infrared light, played a pivotal role in characterizing the CEERS galaxies. The telescope's ability to quickly model the 3D geometries of these distant galaxies is complemented by decades of research using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Webb's images, expanding beyond Hubble's reach, offer detailed glimpses into the early universe, contributing to ongoing efforts in understanding galactic evolution.

Ocean of Discoveries:

Co-author Marc Huertas-Company compares Webb's images of the early universe to an "ocean swell," delivering waves of new evidence. The telescope confirmed and expanded upon Hubble's observations, revealing additional details and showcasing more distant galaxies with similar shapes. However, the researchers acknowledge that these are early results, highlighting the need for a larger sample size from Webb and further refinement of models to better understand the precise geometries of these distant galaxies.

The CEERS Survey, powered by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, has unraveled the cosmic mysteries surrounding the shapes of early galaxies. From pool noodles to surfboards, these celestial bodies exhibit a captivating diversity that challenges our preconceptions. As researchers delve deeper into the data, the promise of uncovering more secrets about the formation and evolution of galaxies in the early universe awaits.

Source - NASA