The universe’s first stars probably ignited 100–250 million years after the Big Bang and died within a few million years. Their ancient light can still reach Earth, but individual stars are so distant and rare that none has been conclusively identified—although cosmic gravitational lenses may finally bring one within JWST’s view.

Population III stars remain inferred rather than individually confirmed. Extreme cluster lensing may give Webb the magnification needed to isolate one ancient, metal-free source. The post The universe’s first stars probably ignited 100–250 million years after…