NASA Unveils Deep Space Images from James Webb Telescope (Pics)

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Category: Earth, Air, Space Science

Published on Tuesday, 12 July 2022 17:50

Written by Janet Walker

NASA has unveiled the first series of stunning deep space cosmic images from the James Webb Space telescope, a $10 billion-dollar joint venture between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

"Today, we present humanity with a groundbreaking new view of the cosmos from the James Webb Space Telescope – a view the world has never seen before," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "These images, including the deepest infrared view of our universe that has ever been taken, show us how Webb will help to uncover the answers to questions we don't even yet know to ask; questions that will help us better understand our universe and humanity's place within it," NASA reported.

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The series of images show the Carina Nebula, the birthplace of stars, with its womb-like tissue coloring, with gaseous mountains and valleys called Cosmic Cliffs. The Webb telescope offers incredibly dynamic images, close-up of constellations 7500 light years away.

Carina Nebula - The Birthplace of Stars - Image courtesy of NASA, ESA and CSA.

The telescope, which will translate images in 12.5 hours, ushers in a new era of astronomy. It is equipped with state-of-the-art scientific instruments, which delivers the sharpest images of the distant universe ever seen by mankind. This instrument can pinpoint images of the most distant galaxies ever detected. Even for the weekend stargazer the idea of capturing images of galaxy clusters is awe inspiring.

What the Webb Telescope has captured, is detailed below in italics, and has been released from NASA.

SMACS 0723: Webb has delivered the deepest and sharpest infrared image of the distant universe so far. This deep field uses a lensing galaxy cluster to find some of the most distant galaxies ever detected. This image only scratches the surface of Webb's capabilities in studying deep fields and tracing galaxies back to the beginning of cosmic time.

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WASP-96b (spectrum): Webb's detailed observation of this hot, puffy planet outside our solar system reveals the clear signature of water, along with evidence of haze and clouds that previous studies of this planet did not detect. With Webb's first detection of water in the atmosphere of an exoplanet, it will now set out to study hundreds of other systems to understand what other planetary atmospheres are made of.

Southern Ring Nebula: This planetary nebula, an expanding cloud of gas that surrounds a dying star, is approximately 2,000 light years away. Here, Webb's powerful infrared eyes bring a second dying star into full view for the first time. From birth to death as a planetary nebula, Webb can explore the expelling shells of dust and gas of aging stars that may one day become a new star or planet.

Cluster of Galaxies - Image courtesy of NASA, ESA and CSA.

Stephan's Quintet: Webb's view of this compact group of galaxies, located in the constellation Pegasus, pierced through the shroud of dust surrounding the center of one galaxy, to reveal the velocity and composition of the gas near its supermassive black hole. Now, scientists can get a rare look, in unprecedented detail, at how interacting galaxies are triggering star formation in each other and how the gas in these galaxies is being disturbed.

Carina Nebula: Webb's look at the 'Cosmic Cliffs' in the Carina Nebula unveils the earliest, rapid phases of star formation that were previously hidden. Looking at this star-forming region in the southern constellation Carina, as well as others like it, Webb can see newly forming stars and study the gas and dust that made them.

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In the two days since NASA has unveiled the Webb's capabilities the telescope has captured the glittering landscape of the birthplace of stars, black holes and galaxy evolution, a dying star's "final performance." It has depicted atmospheric gases which reveal steam, starlight filtering, the detection of atmospheric residue and a clear "signature of water."

Final Performance of a Dying Star - Image courtesy of NASA, ESA and CSA.

For astronomers, stargazers and connoisseurs, the Webb has delivered awe-inspiring, captivating, and hypnotizing images.

For more information and images: https://www.nasa.gov/

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Content, in part, provided by NASA. All Images credited to NASA, ESA and CSA.