Washington, February 15, 2025: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has uncovered new details about star formation in the Phoenix Cluster, a galaxy cluster 5.7 billion light-years away. Using its advanced infrared imaging, Webb detected cold gas filaments and shock waves, providing crucial insights into how supermassive black holes, high-energy radiation, and interstellar gas influence the birth of stars in extreme cosmic environments.
Scientists believe the Phoenix Cluster is experiencing an unusually high rate of star formation, challenging previous theories about galaxy evolution in such clusters. Webb’s findings will help refine cosmological models, improving our understanding of galactic evolution and early universe star formation. This discovery highlights the telescope’s ability to reveal hidden cosmic phenomena beyond human reach.
