Topic: JWST

JWST observations reveal sources earlier and brighter than anticipated. This talk examines their implications for cosmological and galaxy-formation models. It considers the unexpectedly numerous galaxies during the first few hundred million years, at redshifts above nine, and how cosmological clustering measurements can distinguish competing explanations. It then presents an initial empirical measurement of the dependence of star-formation variability, or burstiness, on galaxy mass, which may help explain the excess. Finally, it discusses tensions between JWST measurements of reionization and

Elena Pinetti explores astrophysical searches for dark matter across a wide range of masses and interactions. Observations complement laboratory searches for particles such as axions and weakly interacting massive particles. The talk develops strategies that turn observatories into probes of fundamental physics, including infrared observations with JWST for axions and radio studies of cosmic filaments for WIMP scenarios.

Lisa Dang explores how observations reveal the three-dimensional atmospheres and climates of close-in exoplanets. Kepler and TESS have established a diverse population that tests theories of planetary formation and evolution. Tidally locked short-period planets offer strong atmospheric signals but their large day–night contrasts make one-dimensional interpretations inadequate. Measurements from JWST and precise ground-based observatories can expose these spatial differences and determine whether an atmosphere is present. The talk reviews discoveries about intensely irradiated planets and expla

Pratika Dayal examines galaxy and black-hole formation during the first billion years, when the first galaxies ended the cosmic dark ages and began reionizing intergalactic hydrogen. JWST has revealed unexpectedly abundant, massive black holes, reaching about one hundred million solar masses within the first six hundred million years, challenging formation models. These observations can constrain the progress and spatial structure of reionization in preparation for 21-centimeter measurements. Early galaxies also test alternatives to cold dark matter. The talk considers the gravitational-wave e