Ancient galaxies: lack of mergers vs. subsequent spatial expansion

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SUMMARY

Recent discussions highlight that galaxies formed shortly after the Big Bang are observed to be closer together than contemporary galaxies. This phenomenon can be attributed to two primary factors: the merging of nearby galaxies over time and the limited spatial expansion of the universe during the early epochs. Cosmologists are investigating these possibilities, with references to observations from the James Webb Space Telescope, although definitive conclusions remain elusive. The discourse emphasizes the need for precise definitions and references to validate claims regarding galaxy proximity in an expanding universe.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Big Bang Theory and its implications on cosmic evolution
  • Familiarity with observational astronomy techniques, particularly those involving the James Webb Space Telescope
  • Knowledge of galaxy formation and merger dynamics
  • Concept of spatial expansion in cosmology
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the latest findings from the James Webb Space Telescope regarding early galaxy formation
  • Study the implications of galaxy mergers on cosmic structure and evolution
  • Examine articles in Nature Astronomy that discuss observational data on galaxy proximity
  • Explore the mathematical models of spatial expansion in the context of the Big Bang Theory
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Astronomers, cosmologists, and astrophysics students interested in the formation and evolution of galaxies, as well as those analyzing observational data from advanced telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope.

hkyriazi
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Has anyone had success in disentangling the phenomenon of galaxy mergers from that of spatial expansion in explaining the fact that distant galaxies are closer together?
Galaxies far away---that evolved soon after the Big Bang---are reported to be closer together than the galaxies we observe near us. This could be due to two distinct reasons. One is that relatively nearby galaxies, over time, tend to merge, and the ones we see from far away haven't had time to coalesce yet. The other reason is that the assumed spatial expansion of Big Bang Theory hadn't yet had time to separate those galaxies. Have any cosmologists succeeded in distinguishing these two possibilities?
 
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The fact that galaxies in the past were closer together isn't something we would have determined observationally, but something that follows from the expansion of the universe.
 
I think I read a recent (and not definitive) article about observations from the James Webb Space Telescope, dealing somewhat with the issue (maybe in Nature or Nature Astronomy). I'll see if I can track it down.
 
hkyriazi said:
I think I read a recent (and not definitive) article about observations from the James Webb Space Telescope, dealing somewhat with the issue (maybe in Nature or Nature Astronomy). I'll see if I can track it down.
If that is so, in effect, it could be just one more of the millions of fulfilled predictions of the Big Bang theory, as well as any other exotic thing that comes to mind.
 
"I think I read somewhere" is hard to follow up on. I would hope that the article defines what "closer" means in an infinite universe where galaxies clump on multiple scales so we're all talking about the same thing.
 
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hkyriazi said:
Galaxies far away---that evolved soon after the Big Bang---are reported to be closer together than the galaxies we observe near us.
Reported where? As has already been commented, you need to give a specific reference. Otherwise we don't have a valid basis for discussion.
 
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