In December 2022, the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES) identified three objects named JADES-GS-z13-0, JADES-GS-z12-0, and JADES-GS-z11-0, initially classified as galaxies. … [+]
Astrophysicists have made an intriguing discovery while studying images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. They have come across three luminous objects that could potentially be supermassive “dark stars,” believed to be the very first stars to exist in the universe.
Until now, “dark stars” have only existed in the realm of theory. Estimated to be up to 10 billion times brighter than our sun, they are thought to have emerged in the early stages of the universe, prior to the formation of the types of stars observable today.
Recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, this research highlights three objects that initially appeared to be galaxies but, upon closer inspection, exhibit diffuse and voluminous characteristics similar to those of “dark stars.”
“Dark stars” hold great significance as they signify the cosmic dawn, an era in the universe’s history. What adds to their importance is the hypothesis that they are powered by dark matter particles.
Unveiling the Mystery of Dark Matter
Dark matter, one of the most deep-rooted enigmas in physics, is believed to account for approximately 85% of the matter in the universe. It is thought to solely interact with gravity and consists of an invisible elementary particle according to NASA. Dark matter, being indetectable by direct means, is inferred through its impact on surrounding matter and energy.
Further observation is required, but if the existence of these “dark stars” is verified, it could potentially reveal the nature of dark matter.
Co-author Katherine Freese, director of the Weinberg Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Jeff and Gail Kodosky Endowed Chair in Physics at UT Austin, commented, “Discovering a new type of star is inherently intriguing. However, the implications of dark matter powering these stars would be colossal.”
Unraveling the Enigma
If the three potential “dark stars” JADES-GS-z13-0, JADES-GS-z12-0, and JADES-GS-z11-0 are indeed “dark stars,” it could not only unlock the secrets of dark matter but also help cosmologists solve the puzzle surrounding the “cosmic dawn” depicted in the JWST’s images. These images display numerous galaxies that, according to the prevailing standard model of cosmology, appear too large to have formed so soon after the Big Bang.
Freese stated, “It is more plausible that some adjustments are needed within the standard model rather than proposing something entirely new, as we have done. However, if some of these objects, resembling early galaxies, are actually dark stars, the simulations of galaxy formation would align better with the observations.”
Last week, researchers using the JWST made a groundbreaking discovery of the most distant supermassive black hole yet, which originated a mere 570 million years after the Big Bang.
May your skies be clear and your perspective broadened.
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