Scientists at Penn State University have made an incredible discovery using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. They have identified two of the most distant galaxies ever observed, hidden behind Pandora’s Cluster, a group of galaxies located 3.5 billion light-years away.
What makes this finding even more remarkable is that the mass of the galaxies within Pandora’s Cluster creates a gravitational lens. This phenomenon warps the fabric of space-time and magnifies light from distant galaxies. Taking advantage of this gravitational lens, the researchers were able to detect two previously unseen galaxies located a staggering 33 billion light-years away from Earth.
These newly discovered galaxies are larger than any others previously observed at such incredible distances. Moreover, their unique shapes – one resembling a “peanut” and the other a “fluffy ball” – are also highly unusual for galaxies so far away.
The scientists were intrigued by the different shapes of these distant galaxies, despite being formed from similar materials. They remain unsure why this is the case and plan to delve deeper into this mystery.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this discovery is that the light emitted by these galaxies is incredibly ancient. It is approximately three times older than Earth and provides valuable insights into the early universe. The information contained within the light can help scientists better understand the physics and conditions present during the cosmic dawn.
The research detailing this discovery was originally published by Business Insider, attracting widespread attention from the scientific community. It highlights the groundbreaking work being conducted at Penn State University and the crucial role played by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope in pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe.
This remarkable finding not only adds to our knowledge of the cosmos but also serves as a testament to the advancement of technology and human curiosity. As we continue to unravel the secrets of the universe, discoveries like these bring us one step closer to unlocking the mysteries of our existence.
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