In 2022, decades of research will finally come to fruition as the James Webb Space Telescope launches and begins training an unprecedented eye on the universe. From distant galaxies to nearby galaxies, let’s take a look back at some of the most impressive images telescopes have ever captured.
Hubble’s successor, James Webb, scans the sky with infrared light. Combined with the unprecedented size of its mirrors, the telescope can look deeper into space and back in time than any other observatory. Harnessing this power, Webb’s mission is to study the formation and evolution of stars, planets, and galaxies, especially those formed immediately after the Big Bang. We may even find the first signs of extraterrestrial life.
NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI
NASA released the first series of images in July. This includes views of distant galaxy clusters magnified by gravitational lensing, nebulae ejected from dying stars, and other nebulae spawning new ones.
Since then, James Webb has been busy creating stunning image after image revealing new details of famous celestial landmarks such as galaxies, nebulae and the Pillars of Creation. As we got closer to home, it showed Jupiter in a new light and gave us the clearest view of Neptune’s rings yet.
NASA, ESA, CSA, Jupiter ERS team.Image processing by Judy Schmidt
Of course, this is just the beginning. James Webb plans to explore the universe for at least the next decade, and anything like his predecessor, his Hubble, could extend that mission for another decade.
Check out the gallery for highlights from the James Webb Space Telescope’s first six months of operation.
Source: NASA on Flickr
