James Webb Space Telescope Images Challenge Theories of How Universe Evolved

April 13, 2023 • by Marc Airhart

Hefty young galaxies defy the reigning model of cosmology, called "dark energy + cold dark matter" or ΛCDM.

Six candidate galaxies

Images of six candidate massive galaxies, seen 500-800 million years after the Big Bang. Image credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/I. Labbe


Graph showing properties of galaxy candidates

Based on the standard model of cosmology, astronomers predict what fraction of the atoms in the universe (vertical axis) are contained in galaxies with a certain mass of stars or higher (horizontal axis). In this study, three galaxy candidates (indicated by a single point spread) appear to be using up a much larger fraction of available atoms for stars than expected. Instead of about 10% as is usual (blue arc), the data suggest these galaxy candidates have converted 100% of available atoms into stars. Credit: Mike Boylan-Kolchin.

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The background shows the blackness of space, dotted with colorful stars and galaxies. In a pullout box at the top left, an arrow points to a fuzzy red blob shaped like a jelly bean. A label reads JADES-GS-z14-0.

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On the right side, a telescope enclosure sitting on a mountaintop is open to the night sky. Text over the sky reads "Giant Magellan Telescope + Massachusetts Institute of Technology"

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