Abstract
We present the first $z\geqslant7$ results of the JWST GLASS-ERS survey with
NIRISS/WFS spectroscopy over the Abell 2744 Frontier Fields cluster. With
$\sim15$ hrs of pre-imaging and multi-angle grism exposures in the F115W,
F150W, and F200W filters, we describe the general data handling (i.e.,
reduction, cleaning, modeling, and extraction processes) and analysis for the
GLASS survey. We showcase the power of JWST to peer deep into reionization,
when most intergalactic hydrogen is neutral, by confirming two galaxies at
$z=8.04\pm0.15$ and $z=7.90\pm0.13$ by means of their Lyman breaks. Fainter
continuum spectra are observed in both the F150W and F200W bands, indicative of
blue ($-1.69$ and $-1.33$) UV slopes and moderately-bright absolute magnitudes
($-20.37$ and $-19.68$ mag). We do not detect strong Ly$\alpha$ in either
galaxy, but do observe tentative ($\sim2.7-3.8\sigma$) He II$łambda$1640 A, O
III$łambdałambda$1661,1666 A, and N III$łambdałambda$1747,1749 A line
emission in one, suggestive of low metallicity, star-forming systems with
possible non-thermal contributions. These novel observations provide a first
look at the extraordinary potential of JWST NIRISS for confirming unbiased
samples of bright $z\geqslant7$ sources in the absence of strong emission
lines, and gain unprecedented insight into their contributions towards cosmic
reionization.
Description
Early Results from GLASS-JWST. I: Confirmation of Lensed $z\geqslant7$ Lyman-Break Galaxies Behind the Abell 2744 Cluster With NIRISS
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