Discovery: Earendel (WHL0137-LS) Found Year: 2022 Discoverer: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Location: Constellation Cetus In 2022, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope made a groundbreaking discovery of the star WHL0137-LS, commonly known as Earendel. This star holds the distinction of being the oldest and farthest known star, having formed within the first billion years after the Big Bang.
Key Features: Remarkable Distance: Earendel is located approximately 28 billion light-years away from Earth. Historical Significance: Its formation during the early universe provides valuable insights into stellar evolution and cosmic history. Significance The discovery of Earendel enhances our understanding of the universe's timeline and the formation of stars in the early cosmos, marking a significant milestone in astronomical research.
Conclusion Earendel not only represents a remarkable achievement for NASA and the Hubble Space Telescope but also deepens our comprehension of the universe's origins, inspiring further exploration and inquiry into the mysteries of space.
Discovery: Earendel (WHL0137-LS) Credit: © NASA/Wikimedia Principal Author: Brian Welch, Johns Hopkins University Published In: Journal Nature The discovery report of the star Earendel (WHL0137-LS) was led by astronomer Brian Welch, who expressed astonishment at its distance. He noted, "It was so much farther than the previous most distant, highest redshift star that we almost didn't believe it at first."
Key Insights: Unique Composition: Welch highlighted that Earendel may not share the same raw materials as contemporary stars due to its formation in the early universe. Significance of Distance: The immense distance of Earendel challenges previous understandings of star formation and evolution. Significance This discovery not only redefines our knowledge of distant celestial bodies but also prompts further investigation into the conditions of the early universe.
Conclusion Earendel stands as a testament to the capabilities of modern astronomy, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the cosmos and inspiring future research into the origins of stars and galaxies.
