Questions about a paper on reconciling JWST and HST data

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding a paper that addresses discrepancies between data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) regarding the abundance of massive galaxies in the early universe. Participants seek clarification on the implications of the findings, particularly concerning the UV galaxy luminosity function and potential modifications to the ΛCDM cosmological model.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a desire for a simplified explanation of the conclusions drawn in the referenced paper, particularly regarding the UV galaxy luminosity function and the cosmological implications of JWST data.
  • One participant summarizes that modifications to the ΛCDM model to account for JWST observations may conflict with established HST data, suggesting that such changes are not favored.
  • Another participant mentions a specific paper that offers a potential explanation for the observed abundance of massive galaxies within the ΛCDM framework.
  • There is a suggestion that understanding the UV galaxy luminosity function requires a broader context, and a seminal paper is referenced for further reading.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for clarification regarding the implications of the findings, but there are competing views on how to interpret the data and the potential modifications to the cosmological model. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to reconcile the JWST and HST data.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the subject matter, indicating that a lack of background understanding may hinder comprehension of specific technical aspects. The discussion highlights the dependence on established observations and the challenges in modifying existing cosmological models.

Cerenkov
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TL;DR
https://astrobites.org/2024/02/17/cosmic-inconsistencies/
https://arxiv.org/abs/2305.07049
Insights from HST into Ultra-Massive Galaxies and Early-Universe Cosmology
Hello.


I came across this article, https://astrobites.org/2024/02/17/cosmic-inconsistencies/ and followed the link to this paper, https://arxiv.org/abs/2305.07049 Insights from HST into Ultra-Massive Galaxies and Early-Universe Cosmology and have read the .pdf

For the moment I have just one request.

Could the conclusion that the authors make please be explained to me in Basic terms so that I can gain a better understanding of what is meant? I would like to better understand the UV galaxy luminosity function and also what the authors mean when they refer to a cosmological solution to the JWST abundance problem.

Thank you for any help given,


Cerenkov.

 
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Cerenkov said:
Could the conclusion that the authors make please be explained to me in Basic terms.
The article you linked does this well:

The findings from JWST observations have presented a challenge to the existing models of galaxy formation and early-Universe cosmology that led to a reevaluation of our cosmological model. Today’s paper demonstrated that any modifications to the cosmological model enough to explain the JWST data would be in conflict with the well-established HST data. Their analysis implies that a cosmological solution to the JWST mass excess problem might not be the most favored. Moving forward, the extensively validated HST data emerges as a crucial tool for interpreting future observations, signalling the importance of leveraging its well-established insights in shaping our understanding of the universe.

Edit: or even more basic terms:

Changing the ΛCDM model so that it predicts more massive galaxies at high redshifts is a bad idea because the changed model contradicts too many other observations.

Cerenkov said:
I would like to better understand the UV galaxy luminosity function
I don't think cherry-picking technical subjects is a good way to learn (one lacks the necessary background understanding and context), but if you insist the seminal paper is Charles C. Steidel et al 1999 ApJ 519 1.

Cerenkov said:
also what the authors mean when they refer to a cosmological solution to the JWST abundance problem
This refers to changing the ΛCDM model so that it predicts more massive galaxies at high redshifts.

Cerenkov said:
Thank you for any help given,
Although the Astrobites article is good, you might find JWST Sees More Galaxies than Expected more accessible.
 
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Many thanks, pbuk. :smile:

You were right, btw. Your linked article was just what I needed to read to understand this better.


Thanks again,

Cerenkov.
 
Regarding the discrepancy between the abundance of massive galaxies in the early universe and the ΛCDM cosmological model, this other paper presents a possible explanation for this abundance within the framework of the ΛCDM model.
 
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Many thanks for this, Jaime.

Cerenkov.
 

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