To make sure the telescope is functioning properly, some images are being collected. A test image of the Large Magellanic Cloud was taken by the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), which was previously imaged by the now-retired Spitzer Space Telescope.
The image of the same region made the picture of the star field look like a finger painting. The stars are seven-pointed beacon of light in the MIRI test.
Christopher Evans, a project scientist with the European Space Agency, said in the press conference that this is a nice science example of what Webb will do for us in the coming years. Evans said that the images of the Large Magellanic Cloud were limited by their resolution, but that it was useful for surveys. Evans said that it was going to give them an amazing view of the processes in a different galaxy for the first time.
The NIRSPEC is a big upgrade to previous space telescope technology. Evans said that older space observatories have only been able to see one target at a time. Many thousands of scientists are hoping to use that data in their research.
Early release observations are images of its science targets. The first images of the science targets will be the first to be processed into full color. The images will be translated into visible light, but webb sees the cosmos in the near-IR and IR wavelengths.
The chief differences between the most recent images and the ones to come are that the former were taken to test the telescope's ability to see clearly. He wouldn't say what the targets were for the early release observations.
The early results show that it will be something of an intergalactic palantir, dropping scientists into various parts of deep space that were previously impossible. Being there for the universe's infancy is the next best thing.
The telescope was designed to operate for five years at minimum, but its launch in December means it may have enough fuel to stay in position for more than 20 years. Buckle up.
The next space telescope could get a good look.
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