Our universe is full of mysteries that continue to surprise scientists. Recent observations from the James Webb Space Telescope have highlighted some completely new aspects related to primitive galaxies.
According to the conclusions of a study published September 21 in Nature Astronomy, such galaxies – whose chemistry is very sparse – appear to deviate from the theoretical relationships between chemical composition, stellar mass and star formation.
This new Danish work – led by Kasper Elm Heintz of the Cosmic Dawn Center in Copenhagen – is discussed in detail in a press release (accessible HERE) discovered on the website Trust My Science. They indicate a constant supply of new gas. By diluting the heavy elements, the gas would help form a unique chemical composition.
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Galactic formation and evolution rethought?
Previous observations have led scientists to believe that galaxies have existed in some kind of equilibrium for the last 12 billion years (that’s 5/6 of the age of the universe). There actually seems to be a fundamental connection between the amount of heavy elements produced [des éléments plus lourds que l’hélium et l’hydrogène] and the number of stars formed.
Since the universe originally consisted entirely of much lighter elements, such a relationship seems extremely logical, notes the website Trust My Science. Whether oxygen, carbon or even iron, the heavier elements were created by the stars much later.
An observation that suggests that the first galaxies may not have been “polluted” by heavy elements.
However, until recently it was never possible to return to such an ancient time. The technology of this space telescope therefore helps to improve the knowledge of experts.
The research conducted by the team led by Kasper Elm Heintz (which focused on galaxies formed shortly after the Big Bang) revealed surprising chemical and physical properties. So much so that specialists may be forced to rethink current models of galaxy formation and evolution…
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Lower amounts of heavy elements
In general, the more massive the galaxy, the heavier the elements are. However, such a connection is questioned by recent observations. In the press release, Kasper Elm Heintz explained that he and his colleagues “analyzed the light from 16 early galaxies.”
The scientists found that they contained “fewer heavy elements than would be expected given their stellar masses and the number of new stars they produced.”
Another observation that greatly surprised experts is related to the reduced production of heavy elements in ancient galaxies. The experts’ findings differ from past forecasts. Predictions based on knowledge of later-forming galaxies.
More specifically, it turned out that such galaxies contained, on average, four times fewer heavy elements than the “older” Universe.
The results highlighted by this Danish team contrast with the current model, which assumes that galaxies have evolved according to a certain form of equilibrium.
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A special feature due to the continuous absorption of new gas
“It was as if the galaxies followed a rule, but surprisingly, this cosmic rule appears to have been rewritten in the infancy of the universe,” reacted Claudia Lagos, associate professor at the University of Australia. Western and quoted from Trust My Science.
A peculiarity that the specialist justified by saying that it was due to the continuous absorption of new gas from the cosmic environment. In galaxies, such a constant flow will dilute the heavy elements present. The result is a reduced concentration of these elements compared to what is observed in more mature galaxies.
Claudia Lagos also points out that such dilution of heavy elements is crucial to better understand the evolution (and nature) of primitive galaxies. Heavy elements play a key role in the structure of galaxies and star formation. When their presence is reduced, it suggests different formation and evolutionary processes for ancient galaxies.
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