Space & Astronomy

First science-quality images from James Webb to be revealed soon

By T.K. Randall
June 3, 2022

Image: James Webb Space Telescope
Credit: NASA/dima_zel/NOIRLab / CC BY 4.0 (adapted) Get ready for a whole new window on the universe! The James Webb Space Telescope - the most powerful and complex telescope ever launched into space - is about to begin operations, with NASA announcing that it will be revealing the first science-quality images on July 12th.

It's not clear exactly what the first images will show as the subject of them is currently still a secret.

"Our goals for Webb's first images and data are both to showcase the telescope's powerful instruments and to preview the science mission to come," said project scientist Klaus Pontoppidan.

"They are sure to deliver a long-awaited 'wow' for astronomers and the public."The next-generation telescope, which arrived at its destination back in January, has since been undergoing a six-month commissioning process to get it ready for general use.

Once it is fully operational, it will be capable of providing much clearer images of distant objects than the Hubble Space Telescope and will even be able to take a closer look at extrasolar planets.

"Webb is an exemplary mission that signifies the epitome of perseverance," program director Gregory L. Robinson was previously quoted as saying.

"I am inspired by our dedicated team and our global partnerships that have made this incredible endeavour possible."

Source: MSN.com

Tags: James Webb