The Hubble will no longer be the only telescope to capture stunning shots of the universe. Instead, expect more images of peculiar galaxies, dazzling stars, and intriguing space objects as NASA's next-generation observatory will finally release its first real images!
The Big Reveal
After more than six months of commissioning in space, NASA is set to launch the big reveal of the James Webb Space Telescope's very first operational images on July 12, announced by the space agency on Wednesday, June 1.
Particularly, NASA will be releasing the first full-color images and spectroscopic data of the telescope, which was built out of a partnership with ESA (European Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
James Webb took five years in the making to develop its high-end technologies and mission planning as it aims to explore the infrared universe. The images set for release will signify the telescope's full power before it commences its first science mission.
According to astronomer Klaus Pontoppidan, Webb project scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute - the telescope's first images and data are a preview of its upcoming mission.
"They are sure to deliver a long-awaited 'wow' for astronomers and the public," Pontoppidan said in a statement with NASA.
Since the new images will be released in full color and will include the breadth of Webb's science capabilities, NASA said that the photos would be published alongside their spectroscopic data to highlight elemental composition that astronomers can refer to from the spectrum of light.
NASA will also feature the science themes that inspired the space telescope's mission, which is the main purpose of its work - such as discovering the early universe, the lifecycle of stars, the evolution of galaxies, and other space objects.
Additionally, every Webb's commissioning data, such as the one taken during the alignment of the telescope and preparation of instruments, will also be made publicly accessible.
July 12 will surely be a blast for astronomers and space enthusiasts as they will have access to Webb's vast amount of data!
Read also: NASA James Webb Telescope Captures Dazzlingly Sharp Image of a Galaxy
"Decades of Dedication, Talent, and Dreams"
It is worth noting that the space telescope has already published several images, but these were only interim alignment snapshots captured to test Webb's capabilities.
According to NASA, the new images should be released because the observatory's instrument and its overall preparedness to take over the universe was already given the "green light" by the experts of Webb's team.
Webb's program scientist at NASA, Eric Smith, said that the observatory's final science stage takes us "on the precipice of an incredibly exciting period of discovery" about our universe.
The Webb telescope can capture extremely sharp photos of galaxies and stars, and in its first year, it will focus on observing objects within the solar system.
Astronomers will be using Webb to look into the infrared universe, analyze data, and publish scientific studies about their discoveries.
"These images will be the culmination of decades of dedication, talent, and dreams - but they will also be just the beginning," Smith said in a statement with NASA.
Related Article: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Snaps Haunting Dance of Two Galaxies Linked by Stream of a Dead Galaxy
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Joaquin Victor Tacla
