Webb Telescope Finds Proof Of The First Stars In The Universe

Evidence of the first generation of stars has been uncovered in the distant galaxy GN-z11 by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). GN-z11, previously discovered by the Hubble Space Telescope, was considered the farthest known galaxy before JWST observations. The University of Cambridge's astronomy team, led by Roberto Maiolino, utilized JWST's NIRCam and NIRSpec to identify Population III stars. Stars' ages are determined by heavy element abundance: Population I stars, like our sun, are the youngest and richest in heavy elements. Population II stars, found in the oldest regions of our Milky Way, have fewer heavy elements, while Population III stars were only theoretical until now. The team indirectly identified Population III stars by observing ionized helium through NIRSpec, indicating the presence of pristine gas pockets. These stars, formed from hydrogen and helium after the Big Bang, likely shone with a combined luminosity 20 trillion times brighter than the sun. The ionized helium observed is believed to be leftover material from the formation of Population III stars.