What is the farthest star from Earth? This question has intrigued humanity for centuries, as we have always been fascinated by the vastness of the universe. The answer to this question, however, is not as straightforward as one might think, as the distance between stars is constantly changing due to various factors.
As of now, the farthest star from Earth is located approximately 28 billion light-years away. This star, known as GN-z11, was discovered in 2016 by the Hubble Space Telescope. It is a quasar, a type of galaxy that emits extremely bright light, making it visible from such a great distance. The light we see today from GN-z11 was emitted when the universe was only about 400 million years old, just a fraction of its current age.
However, it is important to note that the distance between stars is not constant. The expansion of the universe, as described by the Big Bang theory, causes the distance between galaxies and, by extension, stars to increase over time. This means that the farthest star from Earth is constantly moving further away from us. In fact, GN-z11 is moving away from us at a speed of about 37,000 miles per second, which is approximately 13% of the speed of light.
Another factor that affects the distance between stars is gravitational lensing. This phenomenon occurs when light from a distant star passes through a massive object, such as a galaxy or a cluster of galaxies, and is bent due to the object’s gravitational field. This bending of light can make the star appear closer than it actually is. In the case of GN-z11, gravitational lensing by a foreground galaxy has helped astronomers determine its true distance from Earth.
As technology advances, we are able to observe more distant stars and galaxies, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge about the universe. The discovery of GN-z11 has provided valuable insights into the early stages of the universe’s development. It has also sparked a renewed interest in the search for even more distant stars, which could help us better understand the true extent of the cosmos.
In conclusion, the farthest star from Earth is GN-z11, located about 28 billion light-years away. This quasar has provided us with a glimpse into the early universe and has prompted us to explore even further. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, the answer to the question “What is the farthest star from Earth?” may evolve, revealing even more about the vastness and complexity of the universe we inhabit.
