One of the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope
(NASA)
As the world begins the countdown to the release of the first images from the James Webb Telescope, in purely theatrical fashion, NASA has decided to reveal a tiny teaser image to build anticipation – and the results are already looking spectacular!
Though it’s a little “rough around the edges,” Webb scientists say this is one of the deepest images of the universe ever taken. Bright stars stand out proudly in the image, characterized by their six long and sharp diffractive peaks (an effect attributed to Webb’s mirror configuration), while beyond, galaxies tremble in their cosmic dance.
This image cannot be examined to determine the age of these space structures because no color filters were used in the imaging, but it still offers a remarkably stunning view of the cosmos.
According to NASA, this image was somewhat unplanned because they didn’t think the telescope would make it. The space agency didn’t think there would be enough communications bandwidth to transfer images between Earth and L2 — a point in space 1.5 million kilometers away, L2 is home to the Webb telescope, as it provides a clear view of space offers.
Image comparison between the JWST and the Spitzer Space Telescope
(NASA)
However, once they began the week-long stability test, the telescope outperformed itself, allowing for the creation of this 72-exposure image over 32 hours. Its existence is just another testament to the sheer power of the JWST.
“Because the Webb telescope produced better than expected image quality, early in commissioning we intentionally defocused the guide scopes by a small amount to ensure they met their performance requirements. When this image was captured, I was thrilled to see clearly all the detailed structure in these faint galaxies,” said Neil Rowlands, program scientist for Webb’s Fine Guidance Sensor at Honeywell Aerospace.
“Given what we now know, deep broadband Guider images are possible, perhaps such images, if possible taken in parallel with other observations, could prove scientifically useful in the future.”
One of the first images includes this adorable selfie of the main mirror of the JWST
(NASA)
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the most powerful telescope ever launched into space and represents the pinnacle of human knowledge to date. Launched in December 2021, the JWST will allow the study of the formation of the first stars and galaxies – essentially giving us a time machine-like glimpse into the past.
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