James Webb Space Telescope Feed Post

Arxiv: Observations of the First Galaxies in the Era of JWST Published: 1/28/2025 7:02:45 PM Updated: 1/28/2025 7:02:45 PM

Paper abstract: We provide a review of our current knowledge of galaxies throughout the firstbillion years of cosmic history. This field has undergone a transformation inthe last two years following the launch of \textit{JWST}, and we aim todeliver an observational overview of what we have learned about z\gtrsim 5galaxies. We introduce the latest selection methods of high redshift galaxiesand describe new measurements of the census of continuum-selected and dustystar forming galaxies at z\gtrsim 5. We discuss new measurements of the UVluminosity function at z\gtrsim 10 and associated implications for early starformation. We then summarize what is being learned about the physicalproperties of early galaxies, with up-to-date discussions of the sizes, masses,ages, metallicities, abundance patterns, UV colors, dust properties, andionizing sources in z\gtrsim 5 galaxies. We review observational evidence forbursty star formation histories and describe prospects for characterizing theduty cycle with future observations. We provide a brief overview of the insightbeing gained through new detections of AGN in early galaxies. Finally weintroduce the latest constraints on the contribution of galaxies toreionziation and discuss how \textit{JWST} measurements of Ly\alphaemission offer the potential to probe the earliest stages of the process. Thisreview is meant to provide a broad introduction to those new to theobservational study of very high redshift galaxies.