NASA: Webb telescope reveals links between galaxies
UC physicist contributes to analysis of distant galaxies
NASA talked to a University of Cincinnati physicist about the significance of imaging extremely young galaxies using the James Webb Space Telescope.
UC College of Arts and Sciences postdoctoral researcher Keunho Kim was co-author on a research team that published a study in January in the Astrophysical Journal Letters. They examined compact galaxies undergoing high rates of star formation called “green peas.”
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope captured what is believed to be a 'green pea' galaxy. Image/NASA, ESA, CSA and STScl
According to NASA, these galaxies depict colors — greens and reds — created by brightly glowing gas clouds.
“Peas may be small, but their star-formation activity is unusually intense for their size, so they produce bright ultraviolet light,” Kim told NASA. “Thanks to ultraviolet images of green peas from Hubble and ground-based research on early star-forming galaxies, it’s clear that they both share this property.”
The telescope was launched into orbit more than a year ago. It's offering the best look to date at distant phenomena in the universe.
Kim's research group presented its findings at the annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Seattle.
Featured image at top: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope captured galaxies with properties similar to 'green peas,' young, compact galaxies that generate new stars. Image/NASA, ESA, CSA and STScl
Related Stories
Humanizing AI
March 27, 2026
Professor Yingying Sun uses AI tools, including custom ChatGPT applications, to teach Industrial Design students at UC how to develop judgment, cross-disciplinary understanding, and creative problem-solving skills.
AI as a creative partner
March 27, 2026
University of Cincinnati architecture professor Ming Tang discusses how AI enhances design, research, and student creativity in the XRLab and the classroom.
Satellites show greater urban methane emissions than known
March 27, 2026
ABC News turned to a University of Cincinnati expert in methane emissions for context about a new study that found urban methane emissions are far higher than previously known.