"James Webb Space Telescope Uncovers Massive 'Cosmic Vine' of 20 Galaxies in Early Universe"

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have discovered a massive chain of at least 20 closely packed galaxies from the early universe, nicknamed the "Cosmic Vine." This structure, estimated to be over 13 million light-years long and 650,000 light-years wide, could provide insights into the formation of the most massive structures in the cosmos. The galaxies in the Cosmic Vine have a redshift of roughly 3.44, indicating that their light traveled for 11 to 12 billion years before reaching the telescope. The Vine appears to be on its way to becoming a galaxy cluster, with an estimated mass of 260 billion solar masses. Two of its largest galaxies have ceased star formation, possibly due to recent galactic mergers. Further study is needed to unravel the mysteries of this ancient galactic chain.