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 complicated structure at the centre of the Butterfly Nebula, NGC 6302. There is a bright source at the centre that is surrounded by greenish nebulosity and several looping lines in cream, orange and pink. One of these lines appears to form a ring oriented vertically and nearly edge-on around the bright source at the centre. Other lines trace out a figure eight shape. Moving outward from these complex lines and green nebulosity, there is a section of red light on either side of the object.

McDonald Observatory

Astronomers Investigate Complex Heart of a Cosmic Butterfly