Webb telescope snaps thrilling images of Jupiter and hurtling asteroids

The humongous observatory in deep space is able to see objects far from home.

Jupiter and asteroids were included in the first picures picures taken by NASA.

The observatory's instruments were being tested. The images show that Webb can see detail even when things are close to Earth. The telescope's guidance sensors allow the astronomer to point, hold, and track with accuracy.

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Klaus Pontoppidan, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, said during a news conference on Tuesday that NASA officials considered including nearby targets in the first set of stunning deep space images, but decided against it.

He said that they didn't want to have to count on the observations working. We probably could have done it.

NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency presented the first full-color scientific images from the telescope. The event started the science operations for the telescope. The golden age in our understanding of the universe is predicted to be unleashed by the arrival of Webb.

The images of Jupiter don't look the same as the images of the Wild West because they weren't processed in the same way. Specific features were emphasized in these.

Oh, hello, Europe! It's nice to see you there.

The James Webb Space Telescope photographs Jupiter and its moons Europa, Thebe, and Metis. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / B. Holler and J. Stansberry (STScI)

The James Webb Space Telescope spies Europa's shadow next to the Great Red Spot. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / B. Holler and J. Stansberry (STScI)

There are clear bands around the gas giant planet, as well as the Great Red Spot, which is an enduring storm big enough to "swallow the Earth," according to NASA. The shadow of the moon is to the left of the spot.

Thebe and Metis can be seen in these images. The U.S. space agency said that the details were captured with a single minute of exposure.

The scientists are relieved that he passed the exam. It will take pictures of moons and rings not just of Jupiter, but of other planets as well. The places that could harbor oceans are expected to be investigated by the astronomer.

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The team wanted to know how fast an object could move and how long it would take for the telescope to see it. Engineers tried to track an asteroid in the main asteroid belt. The people weren't disappointed.

A scientist at NASA said that the speed limit was as fast as Mars can get. We were able to break through that. We were able to get a speed limit of 67.