JWST Uncovers Secrets of the Early Universe and Dark Matter.

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has observed galaxies with redshift values higher than seven (z>7) for the first time, using data from the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI). The H-alpha emission line, visible in the mid-infrared spectrum for galaxies with high redshifts, was resolved by the international team of researchers, allowing them to study star formation in these early galaxies. The team hopes to follow up by observing these same galaxies using Webb’s suite of spectrometers to learn more about the shape of the galaxies’ emission lines and the dynamics of star formation.