19 Neighboring Galaxies: James Webb Space Telescope Receives First Task
(ORDO NEWS) — The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) continues to undergo a tuning and calibration process that will take about a month. Immediately after that, he will study 19 galaxies located in the vicinity of the Milky Way.
Scientists expect that the observatory will provide new information about neighboring galaxies, as well as tell more about the history of this part of the universe.
Why do scientists need this information
It is expected that JWST’s infrared imagery of deep space will help scientists gain more data on the formation of stars in galaxies , the strong winds that affect them, and the mature stars that may lurk in spiral galaxies.
Work in this direction will begin when the space observatory completes the process of calibrating scientific devices and they are fully operational.
Telescope continues to adjust
The James Webb Telescope is now in the middle of its commissioning period. The engineering team is focused on aligning the 18 hexagonal elements of the primary mirror, as well as calibrating other instruments.
According to the available data, this work is progressing according to the plan, and by the summer of this year the observatory will begin scientific observations.
JWST covers many different phases of a star’s life cycle, all at high resolution. Webb will show star formation in its early stages as gas breaks down to form stars and heat surrounding dust,
said Janice Lee, chief scientist at the National Optical and Infrared Astronomy Laboratory (NOIRLab).
Other tasks of “James Webb”
- Among other things, the telescope will help search for regions of galaxies that are filled with dust and rich in star formation, but which are difficult to detect in wavelengths other than infrared.
- The observatory will help determine the age of stellar populations to build more reliable statistical models of galaxy formation, as well as allow for a more detailed study of the role of cosmic dust in the formation of galaxies.
Interesting facts about the James Webb telescope
- The launch of the main space “long-term construction” took place on December 25, 2021.
- The launch date has been repeatedly postponed for one reason or another.
- During the maneuvers, the James Webb’s trajectory adjustment was able to save fuel , and therefore will work longer than previously expected.
- The James Webb Telescope was built 25 years ago at a cost of $10 billion.
- The telescope’s journey from Earth to the Lagrange point L2 lasted 29 days.
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