Even earlier than galaxies, we'll be able to see some of the first stars that existed before galaxies formed.
IIRC the telescope will be able to see "back" into 98% of the observable universe.
IIRC the telescope will be able to see "back" into 98% of the observable universe.
The universe's history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_universe#/me...
- We can see the cosmic microwave background (CMB), the earliest photons after the big bang still observable. This is ~14 minutes into Jan 1 if the whole age of the universe is a year. Satellites like the WMAP have done a great job of that.
- The dark ages that follow had few photon sources.
- JWST will be observing the earliest stars following that era.
There's a proposed radio telescope (that would have to be on the far side of the moon!) to observe neutral hydrogen photon emissions from the dark ages: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Ages_Radio_Explorer
The other comment mentioning darkness is wrong.
In the very early universe, it was extremely bright and hot. It was only after 100,000 years or so the universe cooled down enough to become transparent.