A new computer simulation aligns with James Webb Space Telescope observations of the early universe, accurately depicting the formation of the universe’s early galaxies and first stars.
Researchers have created a model of the early universe that better fits observations.
Researchers have developed a new computer simulation of the early universe, which closely matches observations made by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
JWST’s initial observations suggest that there may be something wrong with our understanding of the early formation of galaxies. The first galaxy studied by the James Webb Space Telescope appears brighter and more massive than theoretical expectations.
Renaissance Simulation
Interesting results, recently published in Open the Astrophysical JournalResearchers at Maynooth University in Ireland, with collaborators from Georgia Tech, show that observations made by the James Webb Space Telescope do not contradict theoretical predictions. The so-called “Renaissance simulations” the team used are a series of highly sophisticated computer simulations of the formation of galaxies in the early universe.
Researchers have developed a new computer simulation of the early universe that closely resembles observations made by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Image source: NASA, ESA, S. Beckwith (STScI) and HUDF team
These simulations can resolve very small dark matter clumps and can track these clumps as they clump and accumulate into dark matter halos that then host the types of galaxies we observe. These simulations can also model the composition of the first stars to form in our universe—Group III stars—which are thought to be more massive and bright than today’s stars.
Consistency with existing models
The simulations used by the MU team show that these galaxies fit the model that dictates cosmological physics simulations.
Speaking about the results, lead author Joe M. McCaffrey, a PhD student in the Department of Theoretical Physics at Maynooth, said: “We have shown that these simulations are important for understanding our origins in the universe. In the future, we hope to use the same simulations to study the growth of massive black holes in the Early Universe.
JWST Power
Commenting on the research and the future direction of his research team, Dr John Regan, Associate Professor in the Department of Theoretical Physics at Maynooth, said: “The James Webb Space Telescope has revolutionized our understanding of the early universe. Using its incredible power, we can now see the universe as it was several hundred million years ago the big bang – When the age of the universe was less than 1% of its current age.
“What the James Webb Space Telescope shows us is that the young universe was full of massive star formation and an evolving population of massive black holes. The next step is to use these observations to guide our theoretical models, something that is currently unknown. absolutely impossible.”
Reference: “No Jitter: JWST Galaxies at z>10 consistent with cosmological simulations” by Joe McCaffrey, Samantha Hardin, John H. Wise, and John A. Regan, September 27, 2023, Open the Astrophysical Journal.
two: 10.21105/astro.2304.13755
2023-10-30 14:01:25
#Webb #Telescope #Renaissance #simulations #reveal #early #universe
