Galaxy cluster helps James Webb Space Telescope find Earendel, 28 billion light years away

Astronomers are constantly pushing the boundaries of what we know about the universe, and one discovery stands out as nothing short of miraculous. Meet Earendel, the farthest star ever observed, shining from a staggering 28 billion light-years away. Thanks to the cutting-edge capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) – climbing on the shoulders of Hubble – and the phenomenon of gravitational lensing, this star has captured the imagination of scientists and space enthusiasts alike. Here’s what makes this discovery so extraordinary.

Earendel, named after the Old English word meaning “morning star” or “rising light,” is part of a galaxy that existed just 900 million years after the Big Bang. Its light has traveled for billions of years, making it the most distant single star ever observed. Most stars at this distance blend into the collective glow of their galaxies, but a rare cosmic alignment allowed Earendel to stand out.

How did we spot a star 28 billion light-years away?

This feat was made possible by a process called gravitational lensing, where a massive foreground galaxy cluster bends and magnifies the light from objects behind it. This natural “cosmic magnifying glass” amplified Earendel’s light thousands of times, allowing the JWST to detect it.

Scientists believe Earendel is a Population III star, which means it could be one of the universe’s earliest stars – composed almost entirely of hydrogen and helium, lacking heavier elements created in later stellar generations. Studying it offers a rare glimpse into the universe’s infancy.

The discovery of Earendel has opened new doors in our understanding of the early universe. By studying its composition, temperature, and age, scientists hope to uncover clues about how the first stars formed and influenced the evolution of galaxies. It’s like peering into a time machine, offering a snapshot of what the cosmos looked like billions of years ago.

The role of the James Webb Space Telescope

The JWST’s advanced infrared technology was crucial for spotting Earendel. Unlike visible light telescopes, the JWST can detect faint, redshifted light from distant stars and galaxies. Its unprecedented resolution and sensitivity have transformed how we explore deep space.

Could we find more stars like Earendel?

Astronomers are optimistic that Earendel is just the beginning. With the JWST operational and more gravitational lensing opportunities arising, scientists expect to find other ancient stars. Each discovery will deepen our understanding of the universe’s first billion years – a period often referred to as the Cosmic Dawn.

It’s fair to say that Earendel’s light reminds us, just like when we grasp a handful of sand on a beach, of the vastness of space and the incredible ingenuity required to study it. While we may never visit stars billions of light-years away, their stories bring us closer to answering fundamental questions about our origins and the nature of the cosmos.

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