TEENAGE
GALAXIES - SCI & TECH
News:
‘Teenage galaxies’
captured in extraordinarily detailed view by James Webb Space Telescope
What's
in the news?
●
Recently, the James Webb Space Telescope
has provided detailed insights into slightly older galaxies, known as
‘teenagers’ in galactic terms, shedding light on their evolution and unique characteristics.
Key
takeaways:
●
This research is part of the CECILIA
Survey, utilizing Webb to analyze the chemistry of distant galaxies, named
after astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin.
Study
of Teenage Galaxies:
1.
Formation Period:
●
The study focuses on galaxies that formed
around 2-3 billion years after the Big Bang, which occurred about 13.8 billion
years ago.
2.
Research Methodology:
●
Researchers analyzed light across various
wavelengths from 23 such galaxies using Webb, akin to studying their ‘chemical
DNA.’
3.
Key Discoveries:
●
These teenage galaxies exhibit distinct chemical compositions,
indicative of intense star formation and rapid developmental phases.
Characteristics
of Teenage Galaxies:
1.
Contrast with Modern Galaxies:
●
These galaxies show significant
differences in appearance and behaviour compared to contemporary galaxies.
2.
Developmental Mysteries:
●
They undergo crucial, yet not fully
understood, processes during this phase, shaping their final structure and
nature.
3.
High Temperatures in Star-Forming Regions:
●
Star-forming areas in these galaxies show
temperatures around 24,000 degrees Fahrenheit, much higher than in present-day
galaxies.
4.
Young Stars and Gas Properties:
●
This temperature variation suggests
differences in the stars and gas properties of teenage galaxies.
5.
Detected Elements:
●
Observations identified these galaxies
glowing with elements like hydrogen, helium, oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur, argon,
nickel, and silicon.
Implications
of the Findings:
1.
Chemical Immaturity and Rapid Growth:
●
The study indicates that these galaxies
are in a phase of rapid formation and are still chemically immature.
2.
Insights into Star Formation:
●
Understanding the chemical makeup of these
galaxies provides valuable information about their star formation history and
rate.