A New Milestone! JWST has identified JADES-GS-z14–0, marking the earliest galaxy observed, existing just 290 million years post-Big Bang.

The cosmos is brimming with radiant matter.

Galaxies, fueled by stars, are scattered throughout the universe.

As we look further, we find that galaxies are often smaller, bluer, and less developed.

Galaxies are still prevalent even at the limits of our observational capabilities.

No other exploration has delved deeper than the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES).

Recent spectroscopic findings have shattered previous cosmic distance records.

JADES-GS-z14–0 now holds the title for the most distant galaxy, existing only 285 million years after the Big Bang.

The discovery of this galaxy has taught us five significant lessons.

1.) Early galaxies can vary in size.

While some distant galaxies are compact, others, like JADES-GS-z14–0, are surprisingly large.

2.) Not all distant galaxy candidates are accurate.

Prior to JWST, a mere 40 ultra-distant galaxy candidates existed. Now, JADES has identified 717 potential candidates within a small area.

3.) Some galaxies are obscured by nearer ones.

JADES-GS-z14–0 was distinguished from a nearby galaxy through advanced spectroscopy.

4.) The new record-holder is surprisingly bright.

JADES-GS-z14–0 is remarkably brighter than its predecessor, leading to intriguing questions for astronomers.

5.) This galaxy is notably low in dust.

Unlike later galaxies, these early galaxies show little evidence of dust from supernovae.

With JWST, we gain a clearer understanding of the universe's history.

Mostly Mute Monday tells an astronomical story in images, visuals, and no more than 200 words.

Starts With A Bang is penned by Ethan Siegel, Ph.D., author of Beyond The Galaxy, Treknology, and The Littlest Girl Goes Inside An Atom. Upcoming works include the Encyclopaedia Cosmologica.