NASA has unveiled an image captured by the James-Webb Telescope of the Large Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. While the telescope is still in its testing phase, this visual allows you to realize its incredible capabilities. He thus achieved an alignment perfect “, according to the scientists, who organized a press conference to speak on the subject.
A ” very good scientific example » the capacities of the James-Webb telescope
The image was taken by the James-Webb Telescope’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), the coolest instrument it has on board which focuses on light in the mid-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, c that is, the red-shifted light of distant galaxies, star-forming stars and faintly visible comets.
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This image was compared to another visual of the same region of the Universe captured by the Spitzer Telescope, launched by NASA in 2003 and now retired, which specialized in infrared light. The difference between the two visuals is striking. That of the James-Webb telescope shows the chemistry of interstellar gas in incredible detail, including the emission of carbon and hydrogen molecules called “ polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons considered as some of the building blocks of life.
” It’s a very fine scientific example of what Webb will bring us in the years to come. said Chris Evans, chief scientist of the telescope at the European Space Agency during the press conference. ” We have done many studies of star and planet formation in our own galaxy, but here we are looking at it in the Magellanic Clouds, a small outer galaxy, which is less chemically evolved than our Way. Milky. This therefore gives us a chance to examine the processes of formation of stars and planets… in an environment very different from our own galaxy. “, he continued.
On the left, the Large Magellanic Cloud captured by the Spitzer Telescope, on the right, by the James-Webb Space Telescope. Image: NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope/FlickR
Upsetting our knowledge of the Universe
In addition to having sharper instruments and a much larger primary mirror than Spitzer, the James-Webb telescope is also in a better position to observe infrared light with greater clarity thanks to its position. It sits at Lagrange Point 2, about 1.5 million kilometers away, where it can stay cool, essential for its instruments to operate efficiently.
Launched on December 25, the James-Webb Telescope has traveled almost a month to reach its current residence, it is still performing a battery of commissioning tests, a phase dubbed ” commissioning “. Observing the Universe from the orange of the visible spectrum to the mid-infrared, the telescope should be able to observe up to 13.5 billion years ago to see the first stars and galaxies forming in the darkness of the early universe.
In addition to allowing us to understand the origins of the Universe, it will also help researchers analyze the evolution of galaxies, the life cycle of stars and study exoplanets. From now on, the James-Webb telescope will take images of its scientific targets, called preliminary observations. These will not only be the first images of these, but also the first images processed in color. Indeed, if he sees the cosmos in the infrared and near infrared wavelengths, the images will be translated into visible light, explains Gizmodo.
The James-Webb telescope should allow us to make incredible discoveries in different fields of astronomy. Image: NASA
What awaits the James-Webb telescope?
In the near future, research teams will also test the telescope’s ability to track objects in our solar system, such as planets, satellites, rings, asteroids and comets. In this way, they will be able to make sure that he is able to do it correctly, since he is particularly sensitive to starlight.
“ We will also measure changes in the alignment of the telescope when pointing it at different locations ”, explained Evans. Thus, it will oscillate between slightly warmer and cooler attitudes, in order to know how quickly its mirrors heat up and cool down as it moves through space. For now, everything is going as planned and the telescope could start its official work in about two months.
The James-Webb Telescope was designed to operate for a minimum of five years, but its ultra-precise launch means it could have enough fuel to stay in position for more than 20 years. There is no doubt that during this period of time, it will upset humanity’s knowledge of the cosmos.