[REVISION HISTORY]

JWST discoveries in the early universe and local cosmos

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2026-09-27 03:51 UTC → 2026-09-29 20:35 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Since late June 2026, JWST has delivered high-impact observations across cosmology, exoplanet atmospheres, and solar-system bodies. Key findings include the confirmation of the “magical line” in Abell 2744 and the detection of salt clouds on GJ 504b. In August 2026, research into the early universe’s “little red dots” evolved. Data identified a ‘Black Hole Star’ (MoM-BH-1*)—an object 100 billion times brighter than a normal star—which appears to be a supermassive black hole of roughly 100,000 solar masses enveloped in a dense hydrogen cocoon. This discovery, alongside a new census of the early universe, suggests galaxies formed earlier and grew faster than previous models predicted, though the ΛCDM cosmological framework remains intact. Further studies of the distant galaxy J0148-4214 revealed a unique triplet of active supermassive black holes. Mapping efforts have expanded significantly. Using the Cosmic Evolution Survey (COSMOS), astronomers produced a highly detailed map of the dark matter cosmic web, covering an area 2.5 times the size of a full moon. By analyzing light bending from approximately 800,000 galaxies, researchers confirmed that dark matter acts as “gravitational scaffolding” and has coexisted with visible matter since the early universe. Recent observations of local environments and planetary formation have also yielded breakthroughs. ~~Using its Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), astronomers identified dust and water molecules surrounding~~ In late September 2026, observations of the star IRS 3 near Sagittarius ~~A*,~~ A* confirmed the presence of water vapor and oxygen-rich dust, demonstrating that ~~such~~ complex molecules can ~~persist in high-radiation environments. In mid-September 2026, new milestones were reached. Combining Hubble~~ remain resilient against intense ultraviolet radiation and ~~JWST capabilities,~~ tidal forces. Additionally, astronomers identified ~~27 new trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) at~~ ammonia, water, methane, and carbon dioxide in the ~~edge~~ atmosphere of the ~~solar system. In the IC 348 star-forming region, JWST captured a large panorama revealing ultra-low-mass brown dwarfs only twice the mass of Jupiter, challenging theoretical models~~ gas giant HATS-6 b. The existence of ~~star formation.~~ this planet challenges core accretion theory, as its size is unusual for its small red dwarf host, and it appears significantly cooler than expected.

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