The Hubble Ultra Deep Field is one of the most famous space photos. It captures nearly 10,000 galaxies of different ages, sizes, shapes, and colors. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has revisited this area, providing a fresh perspective on the distant universe.
In its recent study, known as the MIRI Deep Imaging Survey (MIDIS), JWST spent almost 100 hours observing this region using three of its shortest-wavelength filters. This effort showcased a detailed view of the cosmic landscape, helping scientists learn more about how galaxies formed and evolved over billions of years.
Hubble’s original image presented a broader view, but JWST’s sharper sensitivity revealed over 2,500 light sources, including hundreds of extremely red galaxies. These galaxies are important because they are home to old stars formed early in the universe’s history, often obscured by dust.
“We can now explore the structures of these galaxies with great detail,” said an expert from the European Space Agency (ESA). “This insight helps us understand how galaxies grow and change.” By analyzing the light from these galaxies, researchers gain clues about their development.
In the latest images, bright orange and red galaxies were detected at longer mid-infrared wavelengths, indicating they have unique features like high dust content or active star formation. Meanwhile, faint greenish-white galaxies represent some of the most distant objects, showing different light properties not visible in earlier images.
Interestingly, the majority of galaxies in the new JWST image shine brightest at shorter near-infrared wavelengths, appearing blue and cyan. This contrast helps researchers classify galaxies and understand their composition and development better.
Webb’s return to this famous field not only continues Hubble’s legacy but also uncovers new details and hidden galaxies. This fresh examination deepens our understanding of the universe’s first structures. As we explore further into these ancient realms, we find ourselves increasingly amazed by the stories written in the stars.
For those interested in this research, you can read more in the study titled ‘MIRI Deep Imaging Survey (MIDIS) of the Hubble Ultra Deep Field‘ published in *Astronomy and Astrophysics*.
Source link
astronomy,astrophysics,deepfield,hubble,hubbledeepfield,hubblespacetelescope,jameswebbspacetelescope,jwst,science,space,webb
