Rongmon Bordoloi discusses recent work with James Webb Space Telescope
During a recent Physics and Astro Tea event, Rongmon Bordoloi explained how data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has led to a more complete understanding of the early universe. Bordoloi is an astrophysicist at North Carolina State University, whose research focuses on how galaxies form, evolve, and exchange matter with their surroundings.
JWST has a聽wide-field slitless spectroscopy mode, which allows astronomers聽to measure the chemical composition, motion, and redshift of large numbers of galaxies simultaneously.聽By measuring the redshift of spectral lines, astronomers can determine how far away a galaxy is and therefore how long ago its light was emitted. Bordoloi and his collaborators have used this information to show that the spaces surrounding early galaxies is metal-rich, indicating that chemical evolution occurred early in the history of the universe.
Hosted weekly by the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Physics & Astro Tea promises engaging discussions, thought-provoking ideas and a delightful spread of refreshments. Open to all students, faculty and staff, this gathering is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow physics aficionados in a relaxed and informal setting. Meetings take place in the third-floor lounge of Innovation Hall at 3:20 p.m. on Wednesdays.