New JWST images of abnormally well-developed galaxy cluster open up the 'cosmic noon' frontier

Live updates

1. 3h ago

   JWST Confirms XLSSC 122 as Most Distant Strong Gravitational Lens

   The James Webb Space Telescope has identified galaxy cluster XLSSC 122 as the most distant known strong gravitational lens. Located over 10 billion light-years away, the cluster's advanced development challenges current cosmic evolution theories. Its dense core contradicts standard dark matter models.

   What's confirmed:

   • Galaxy cluster XLSSC 122 is located over 10 billion light-years away.
   • XLSSC 122 is the most distant strong gravitational lens ever observed.
   • The cluster is a mature structure that challenges Lambda-CDM and dark matter models.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The dark matter core of XLSSC 122 is 3.2 standard deviations denser than any Lambda-CDM model.
   • The cluster is located at z≈2.
   confidence 90%
2. 3d ago

   JWST Images Reveal Mature Galaxy Cluster XLSSC 122

   The James Webb Space Telescope captured images of galaxy cluster XLSSC 122, located over 10 billion light-years away. This hefty and concentrated structure is the most distant known example of strong gravitational lensing. Its advanced development challenges current theories of cosmic evolution.

   What's confirmed:

   • The galaxy cluster XLSSC 122 is the most distant example of strong gravitational lensing with a galaxy cluster.
   • XLSSC 122 is located over 10 billion light-years away.
   • Research led by IPAC at Caltech revealed the cluster across three papers.
   • The cluster dates from the Cosmic Noon era.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The cluster is abnormally well-developed for its time in the universe's history.
   • The discovery is reshaping the understanding of early galaxy evolution.
   confidence 95%