What can spectroscopy of this distant galaxy reveal about the universe at z~10?

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In summary, the conversation discusses a highly magnified candidate for a young galaxy, with a photometric redshift of z=9.6 and an estimated age of 490 Myr. The use of spectroscopy and the potential for detailed studies with JWST is mentioned. The mention of a formation redshift of zf<14 suggests the possibility of observing the period of formation with JWST.
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Chronos
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A highly magnified candidate for a young galaxy seen when the Universe was 500 Myrs old
http://arxiv.org/abs/1204.2305

"... We derive a robust photometric redshift of z = 9.6 ±0.2, corresponding to a cosmic age of 490 ±15Myr (i.e., 3.6% of the age of the Universe). ... The object is the first z>9 candidate that is bright enough for detailed spectroscopic studies with JWST"

Spectroscopy of such an ancient galaxy would be very interesting.
 
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Very cool. Thanks for posting.

Do you know what they mean by "If the galaxy is indeed at such a large redshift, then its age is less than 200 Myr" ?

They start off saying it is probably 500 million years old (dating from the singularity) and SEEM to use "Myr" with that, so I'm confused by the later use of "200 Myr"
 
  • #3
Based on existing models, the earliest galaxies should not develop until around 300 million years after the BB.
 
  • #4
phinds said:
Very cool. Thanks for posting.

Do you know what they mean by "If the galaxy is indeed at such a large redshift, then its age is less than 200 Myr" ?

They start off saying it is probably 500 million years old (dating from the singularity) and SEEM to use "Myr" with that, so I'm confused by the later use of "200 Myr"

In the paper they say
The significant magnification by cluster lensing
(a factor of ∼15) allows us to analyze the object’s ultra-violet and optical luminosity in its rest-2 frame, thus enabling us to constrain on its stellar mass, star-formation rate and age.. If the galaxy
is indeed at such a large redshift, then its age is less than 200 Myr (at the 95% confidence level),
implying a formation redshift of zf <∼ 14

I think what they're saying is that the image they have is of a galaxy which is 'now' 500 million years old and which first formed at 200 million yrs.
 
  • #5
alexg said:
In the paper they say

..enabling us to constrain on its stellar mass, star-formation rate and age.. If the galaxy is indeed at such a large redshift, then its age is less than 200 Myr (at the 95% confidence level), implying a formation redshift of zf <∼ 14

I think what they're saying is that the image they have is of a galaxy which is 'now' 500 million years old and which first formed at 200 million yrs.

If the light was emitted at 490Myr and they have constrained the age to be less than 200Myr from the spectrum, they deduce its formation would have been at a cosmic age of at least 290 Myr. That implies its formation was at z<14 and implies we will be able to observe the period of formation with JWST which is designed to work to z=15 or higher.
 
  • #6
Spectroscopic data will be difficult to acquire at z~14, even with JWST, without gravitational lensing. This little gal offers a unique [so far] opportunity to probe the composition of the universe near z~10.
 

1. What is the significance of detecting a new distant galaxy?

Detecting a new distant galaxy can provide valuable information about the evolution and structure of the universe. It allows scientists to study the properties of the galaxy, such as its age, size, and composition, and can potentially provide insights into the formation of galaxies.

2. How was the new distant galaxy detected?

The new distant galaxy was most likely detected using a powerful telescope or satellite equipped with advanced imaging technology. Scientists can also use other methods, such as spectroscopy, to study the light emitted by the galaxy and determine its distance from Earth.

3. How far away is the new distant galaxy?

The distance of the new distant galaxy can vary, but it is typically measured in billions of light-years. This means that the light from the galaxy has traveled for billions of years before reaching Earth, providing a glimpse into the past of our universe.

4. What can we learn from studying this new distant galaxy?

Studying the new distant galaxy can provide insights into the early stages of the universe and how galaxies form and evolve over time. It can also help us better understand the distribution of matter and energy in the universe and the role of dark matter and dark energy.

5. Are there any potential implications of this discovery?

This discovery could have significant implications for our understanding of the universe and its history. It may also lead to new advancements in technology and further our knowledge of astrophysics and cosmology. Additionally, it could potentially open up new avenues for research and collaboration in the scientific community.

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