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Recent observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have confirmed a galaxy model proposed in 2005 by a professor at the University of Portsmouth, providing answers to a long-standing debate on the role of certain stars in galaxy emissions. The findings, published in *Nature Astronomy*, offer new perspectives on how galaxies form and evolve.
In 2005, Professor Claudia Maraston f by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Oct 24, 2024
Recent observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have confirmed a galaxy model proposed in 2005 by a professor at the University of Portsmouth, providing answers to a long-standing debate on the role of certain stars in galaxy emissions. The findings, published in *Nature Astronomy*, offer new perspectives on how galaxies form and evolve.
In 2005, Professor Claudia Maraston from the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation introduced her galaxy models, which challenged existing theories at the time. Reflecting on the controversy her work stirred, she noted: "My models, which were quite different from what was available in the literature, have been debated for years. We always believed that the ultimate test would come from observing distant galaxies with the advanced resolution that JWST is now capable of."
Thanks to the JWST's ability to capture high-resolution infrared data, the new observations reveal that thermally pulsing asymptotic-giant-branch (TP-AGB) stars play a larger role in the light emitted by distant galaxies than previously thought. This discovery is significant for understanding galaxy physics, such as their size, formation timeline, and evolution.
These observations have deep implications for how astronomers determine key properties of galaxies, unveiling new insights into their composition and stellar populations. Professor Maraston added: "This is the first time we"ve been able to see the complete emission spectrum of these galaxies with such precision. The JWST's larger size and its ability to detect infrared light make it possible to capture these galaxies as they appeared 10 million years ago."
One particularly massive and luminous galaxy observed by the team was captured in better detail than closer galaxies observed by ground-based telescopes. "The signal was so clear we were seeing detailed spectral features that were previously impossible to detect. It really was showcasing the JWST in its full glory!" she said.
While the Hubble telescope relies on optical instruments, the JWST - three times larger - can gather more radiation from fainter sources, enabling it to detect both optical and near-infrared light and observe galaxies from much further back in time.
Following the success of these findings, Professor Maraston and her team have secured additional observation time with the JWST to study 100 more galaxies. "This result is a personal triumph after 20 years of debates and discussions. It's incredibly satisfying to finally have the data that confirms the models we developed so long ago," she commented.
Professor Maraston collaborated with researchers from Nanjing University in China and Paris-Saclay University in France. Emanuele Daddi from Paris-Saclay played a key role in locating the crucial galaxy data in the JWST archives, while PhD student Shiying Lu conducted the model-data comparison. Together, the team plans to refine their models based on these groundbreaking observations.
Maraston concluded: "I"m not an observer, but seeing what the galaxy looked like so far away was breathtaking. For an astrophysicist to see that detail - to see Carbon, Titanium, and Sodium absorptions in detail was incredible."
Research Report:Strong spectral features from asymptotic giant branch stars in distant quiescent galaxies
Related Links
University of Portsmouth's Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation
Understanding Time and Space