Universe Expansion: The Farthest Galaxy from Earth [Infographic]
What is Universe Expansion?
The universe is immeasurable in size. It holds a mammoth collection of galaxies. We know this because we observe them using the Kepler, Spitzer, and Hubble Telescope.
For all we know, it’s expanding indefinitely into limitless bounds. We know this by studying red-shift.
Each galaxy forms stars, planets, and other solar remnants. On the grand scale of things, the Milky Way galaxy where we reside is tiny in comparison.
Universe expansion is the theory that galaxies and all matter in space are increasing in distance between each other. But the true extent of outer space is still unknown. It’s mind-boggling what could be out there.
The Farthest Viewable Galaxy
By pushing NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope to its limits, astronomers have shattered the cosmic distance record by measuring the farthest galaxy ever seen in the universe.
This surprisingly bright infant galaxy, named GN-z11, is seen as it was 13.4 billion years in the past. In other words, it’s the oldest, most distant galaxy in the observable universe.
If you look at the origin of the Big Bang, it’s just 400 million years after it. This galaxy has a high red-shift, meaning that this galaxy is moving away in distance.
Astronomers also use the NASA Spitzer Space Telescope to greatly improve the cosmic distance ladder used to measure the expansion rate of the universe, its size, and age.
Summary: Universe Expansion
Our universe is constantly expanding. This is good news for the people who love science and astrophysics. The expansion of our universe has led to some interesting theories about how our planet came to be.
The ongoing expansion of our universe, as observed through the redshift of distant galaxies, has captivated the imaginations of scientists and astrophysicists, prompting the development of theories that attempt to unravel the origins and evolution of our cosmos.
These theories, such as the Big Bang theory, have not only reshaped our understanding of the universe’s history but also shed light on the formation of Earth and the emergence of life within this vast and ever-expanding cosmic tapestry.
If you have any questions or comments about universe expansion, please use the comment form below to let us know what your questions are.
Is the expansion of the universe like a balloon expanding or is it in one direction?
I thought it was 13.4 billion light years?
That galaxy that is 13.4 billion light years away probably doesn’t exist anymore!