What Are the Current Events in the Universe 13 Billion Years Ago?

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The discussion centers on the James Webb Space Telescope's ability to capture images from nearly 13 billion years ago, prompting curiosity about what is currently happening in those same locations in the universe. It highlights the limitation of observing light that has taken billions of years to reach us, leading to the realization that current conditions in those areas are unknown and likely very different from the images captured. While some participants express a desire to know what is happening now, others argue that studying the early universe is more valuable, as it provides insights into the evolution of galaxies. The conversation also suggests that there are many galaxies in various stages of evolution available for study, making the focus on ancient images more informative than attempting to observe the present state of distant galaxies. Additional resources on related topics in astrophysics and cosmology are recommended for further exploration.
Steve K
The Webb Telescope is finding images from the early beginnings of our universe, indeed from nearly 13 billion years ago. That is fascinating, but, what is happening right at this moment in our timeline, in those locations giving astronomers 13 billion year old information? I ask, because the locations exist right now, and I would assume are completely different now, than the images we see. We can only see what the speed of light let's us. I suppose there is no way to know without finding a way to time travel.
 
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Steve K said:
The Webb Telescope is finding images from the early beginnings of our universe, indeed from nearly 13 billion years ago. That is fascinating, but, what is happening right at this moment in our timeline, in those locations giving astronomers 13 billion year old information? I ask, because the locations exist right now, and I would assume are completely different now, than the images we see.
Correct
Steve K said:
We can only see what the speed of light let's us. I suppose there is no way to know without finding a way to time travel.
Oh, good. You've answered your own question.
 
phinds said:
Correct

Oh, good. You've answered your own question.
But that is the question of priority it seems. What is happenning right now, because, the space in the universe from 13 BYA exists. We will have to wait and see... but wouldn't it be astounding to know!
 
Steve K said:
But that is the question of priority it seems. What is happenning right now, because, the space in the universe from 13 BYA exists. We will have to wait and see... but wouldn't it be astounding to know!
Thank you, Phinds for your reply.
 
Steve K said:
but wouldn't it be astounding to know!
Not especially. There are at present far more galaxies that are available to us, in various stages of evolution than we have time / equipment to study. It is quite a reasonable assumption that the ones furthest out are evolving in the same way, so it is doubtful that we would learn much if anything by "seeing them now".

It's far more informative seeing them, as we do, "then" rather than magically seeing them "now".
 
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Steve K said:
Thank you, Phinds for your reply.
If you are interested in Webb there is a thread that started in anticipation of the launch and followed journey to today.https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/the-james-webb-space-telescope.1010264/

There are also threads on age of the Universe and how they measure distant galaxies.
Everything regarding astrophysics and Cosmology in fact. Just use the magnifying glass top right to search.
 

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