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2022-10-20T21:18:00.378Z
James Webb Area Telescope nonetheless surpassing expectations
The long-lasting Pillars of Creation. The Hubble Area Telescope’s view on the left, the brand new James Webb Area Telescope photograph on the suitable. (Picture credit score: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; Joseph DePasquale (STScI), Anton M. Koekemoer (STScI), Alyssa Pagan (STScI).)
The James Webb Area Telescope has been in area for practically 10 months and, regardless of a micrometeroid difficulty and a glitch, the telescope’s efficiency is surpassing expectations, mission officers mentioned in a brand new replace in the present day (Oct. 20).
That is excellent news for astronomers given the spectacular observations coming from Webb, together with a brand new view launched Wednesday (Oct. 19) of the enduring Pillars of Creation first made well-known by the observatory’s predecessor: the Hubble Area Telescope.
2022-10-12T20:35:46.703Z
Weird rings noticed by James Webb Area Telescope
The James Webb Area Telescope captured the star WR 140 surrounded by unusual concentric shells. (Picture credit score: NASA/ESA /CSA /Ryan Lau /JWST ERS Workforce /Judy Schmidt)
The James Webb Area Telescope noticed a set of concentric angular rings round a large, distant star in September. A pair of recent research reveals the primary seen proof of starlight pushing mud round, and reveals the unusual setting of the star WR140, which is actually a system of two stars that orbit one another.
Scientists additionally modeled the molten surfaces of 16 lava world sorts within the laboratory, as they search to create a database of rocky exoplanets to assist Webb higher perceive and determine alien worlds.
2022-10-07T14:54:28.199Z
James Webb Area Telescope and Hubble staff up for mud examination
A pair of galaxies in a picture mixed from observations by the James Webb and Hubble Area Telescopes. (Picture credit score: NASA, ESA, CSA, Rogier Windhorst (ASU), William Keel (College of Alabama), Stuart Wyithe (College of Melbourne), JWST PEARLS Workforce)
In a placing picture, Astronomers captured two galaxies (beneath the frequent identify VV 191) that seem shut to one another, combining the infrared measurements taken by the James Webb Area Telescope with the seen and ultraviolet mild imaging performed by the Hubble Area Telescope.
In one other team-up investigation, NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory are demonstrating how its X-ray observations are offering new perspective for Webb photographs. The truth is, Webb could also be at its handiest when it really works with different telescopes.
2022-09-28T19:15:56.480Z
Wait begins for James Webb Area Telescope DART footage
An artist’s impression of the DART probe smashing into the asteroid Dimorphos. (Picture credit score: ESA–ScienceOffice.org)
NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Take a look at (DART) mission slammed into an asteroid moonlet Monday (Sept. 26) to check a planetary protection method that would redirect a future massive asteroid on a collision course with Earth. The James Webb Area Telescope was among the many observatories watching, and pictures will circulate again from it within the coming weeks.
Scientists have additionally been speaking about Webb’s means to look a lot additional again in time, very near the formation of the universe some 13.7 billion years in the past. The telescope’s infrared mild is ideal for analyzing historic stars and galaxies.
2022-09-22T15:44:01.606Z
James Webb Area Telescope’s ultracold camera has a glitch
An illustration of NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope absolutely unfolded in area. (Picture credit score: NASA/Adriana Manrique Gutierrez)
The James Webb Area Telescope’s Mid-Infrared Instrument’s (MIRI) grating wheel is experiencing an issue affecting some observations. The wheel, which permits choice between mild wavelengths, is utilized in solely considered one of MIRI’s 4 statement modes. You’ll be able to learn extra concerning the glitch and NASA’s efforts for a deep-space repair right here.
Webb’s previous observations have delivered an enormous vary of science in current days. An unbelievable picture of Neptune’s rings and moons has been hailed as the most effective of a era. Contemporary atmospheric photographs of Mars are delivering new insights, and scientists are gaining details about exoplanets after Webb’s alien planet investigation.
2022-09-16T14:07:49.200Z
Astronomers could also be getting Webb Area Telescope exoplanet measurements improper
The James Webb Area Telescope’s bold mission contains analyzing distant exoplanets. (Picture credit score: ESA/Hubble, N. Bartmann)
Astronomers could also be misinterpreting James Webb Area Telescope’s measurements of exoplanet atmospheres “by an order of magnitude”, a brand new examine suggests.
The telescope’s bold mission in deep area contains taking measurements of the chemical compositions of the intriguing stars, galaxies and nebulas it sees, like these recent photographs of child stars within the Orion Nebula launched earlier this week.
To help with exoplanet work, telescope scientists use advanced fashions for interpretation. However a brand new examine by researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Know-how (MIT), discovered that these fashions lack the accuracy to showcase Webb’s nuances.
Full story: Astronomers could also be getting Webb Area Telescope exoplanet measurements improper
2022-09-09T13:32:11.525Z
Webb finds an exoplanet and observes a nebula
The James Webb Area Telescope’s discoveries proceed to span the universe.
The deep-space observatory noticed an exoplanet with proof of silicate-rich clouds; the brown dwarf is almost 20 instances the dimensions of Jupiter. The brown dwarf known as VHS 1256 b and orbits two small purple dwarf stars, 72 light-years from Earth.
Webb’s delicate devices additionally revealed unprecedented element in a fuel cloud referred to as Doradus 30, initially nicknamed Tarantula for its spider-like look. The Tarantula Nebula is situated 161,000 light-years away within the Massive Magellanic Cloud and is the brightest star-forming area in our neighborhood apart from our personal Milky Means.
In the meantime, astronomers are combating disinformation and pseudoscience suggesting that Webb disproved the Large Bang. Spoiler alert: not right.
2022-09-02T13:20:01.615Z
James Webb Area Telescope snags first direct picture of planet, mysterious rings
Solely weeks into its operational part, the James Webb Area Telescope continues to make historical past.
The deep-space telescope caught its first direct picture of one other alien world. The planet is roughly 385 light-years from Earth and appears like a splotch beside the shop HIP 65426. Webb noticed the exoplanet utilizing its Close to-Infrared Digicam (NIRCam) and the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), which every take a look at completely different wavelengths of infrared mild.
Scientists are additionally attempting to determine unusual concentric rings round a faraway star, referred to as WR140. The picture was launched on Twitter (opens in new tab) by citizen scientist Judy Schmidt. The ripples across the star should not completely round and are puzzling to scientists.
2022-08-31T19:36:50.983Z
New gems from the James Webb Area Telescope
James Webb Area Telescope knowledge continues to stun.
In an early science outcome, astronomers used the observatory to detect carbon dioxide within the ambiance of an exoplanet. It is the primary time scientists have confirmed that exact chemical’s presence.
And multimedia whizzes have begun digging into imagery from the observatory. First, a brand new video compares views of the “Phantom Galaxy” from JWST and the Hubble Area Telescope. Then, specialists have sonified the enduring Carina Nebula photograph from the observatory’s first science-quality photographs, turning it into music.
2022-08-25T16:39:50.177Z
Jupiter’s auroras and early galaxies glow in Webb imagery
A composite picture of Jupiter taken by Webb’s NIRCam; the orange glow across the poles is the aurora. (Picture credit score: NASA, ESA, CSA, Jupiter ERS Workforce; picture processing by Judy Schmidt.)
Unimaginable photographs of Jupiter and its auroras shine in recent new photographs from the James Webb Area Telescope created by citizen scientist Judy Schmidt, based mostly on Webb knowledge. By the way in which, if you wish to create Webb photographs of your personal, we’ve got an up-to-date enhancing information with Schmidt that discusses the instruments, methods and tips on how to make the suitable decisions. You are able to do all of this without spending a dime utilizing a generic pc.
In the meantime, scientists launched a gobsmacking new mosaic picture from Webb showcasing distant galaxies whose mild shifted into infrared (from seen) mild. Coming from an period nicknamed Epoch 1, this picture comes from the Cosmic Evolution Early Launch Science Survey (CEERS) (opens in new tab) and can seemingly push ahead extra examine.
2022-08-18T15:29:51.424Z
Molten iron may fall as rain the place day turns to nighttime on some ultra-hot fuel giants. (Picture credit score: ESO/M. Kornmesser)
Exoplanets might be among the many pioneering investigations of the James Webb Area Telescope. Scientists hope that the telescope will make clear scorching Jupiter exoplanet atmospheres with molten rain, hurling vaporized rock or crystals from up excessive.
“On Earth, a whole lot of these minerals are jewels,” Tiffany Kataria, who’s an exoplanetary scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, mentioned in a assertion (opens in new tab). “A geologist would examine them as rocks on Earth, however they will type clouds on exoplanets. That is fairly wild.”
Learn extra: James Webb Area Telescope will search clouds of vaporized gems on exoplanets
2022-08-10T18:48:08.176Z
James Webb Area Telescope beautiful video and engineering options
Whip by the universe on a brand new video tour by NASA’s deep-space telescope. The James Webb Area Telescope collaboration launched a “Star Wars” video tour zooming in to land upon a spectacular galaxy, referred to as the Cartwheel Galaxy. It is an intriguing take a look at starbirth, together with close to a supermassive black gap.
In the meantime, engineers talked concerning the new applied sciences they used to construct Webb to check out issues by no means performed in area earlier than. Northrop Grumman (the prime contractor) and others did groundbreaking engineering to get the telescope working in deep area.
2022-08-08T16:41:51.711Z
James Webb Area Telescope ‘photograph’ only a chorizo
A physicist pulled a prank on Twitter final week showcasing a photograph from the James Webb Area Telescope, which ended up being a chorizo.
The scientist Étienne Klein, director of France’s Various Energies and Atomic Vitality Fee, shared the purported James Webb Area Telescope (JWST) photograph on July 31. However after Klein’s photograph went viral, he clarified the picture was not from Webb. As an alternative, it was a slice of the Spanish sausage chorizo.
Learn extra: Scientist admits ‘area telescope’ photograph is definitely chorizo in tasty Twitter prank
2022-08-05T13:57:19.595Z
James Webb Area Telescope breaking data once more
A composite picture captured by the James Webb Area Telescope’s MIRI and NIRCam devices reveals the odd Cartwheel galaxy in an unprecedented element. (Picture credit score: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI)
The James Webb Area Telescope has simply barely began operations, however is breaking data and performing intriguing observations in its first few weeks.
One week after the James Webb Area Telescope launched the primary science photographs, astronomers detected galaxies at redshift 13, equating to about 300 million years after the Large Bang. Not lengthy after, intriguing new outcomes suggests astronomers are blasting previous that metric with attainable detections as much as redshift 20. If confirmed, these galaxies are fairly early, as they have been in existence simply 200 million years after the Large Bang.
Webb then turned its consideration to probably the most distant star, referred to as Earendel, after a personality in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” prequel “The Silmarillion.” The star’s mild took about 12.9 billion years to succeed in Earth and is now seen in a bit extra element than earlier imaging from a Hubble Area Telescope deep discipline picture.
Webb additionally noticed a wheel-shaped galaxy, referred to as the Cartwheel, displaying unprecedented element within the galaxy’s construction. Utilizing infrared mild, Webb detected particular person stars throughout the galaxy’s star-forming areas, and extra younger star clusters surrounding the galaxy’s central supermassive black gap. These zones are stuffed with mud and finest seen in infrared mild, which may peer by that.
2022-07-28T13:50:15.197Z
The science scramble is in full swing!
The James Webb Area Telescope’s imagery of NGC 628 (the “Phantom Galaxy”) reveals glowing mud on this citizen science picture. (Picture credit score: NASA/ESA/CSA/Judy Schmidt)
Simply weeks into its tenure, the James Webb Area Telescope is holding scientists and area followers busy.
The astronomy neighborhood’s preprint server, arXiv.org, has seen a bunch of recent papers analyzing JWST knowledge. One notably scorching subject is the seek for ever-more-distant galaxies: The observatory is now beating its personal data, recognizing galaxies that we could also be seeing simply 200 to 300 million years after the Large Bang.
Different scientists are waiting for what the observatory will be capable to uncover about supermassive black holes.
In the meantime, beginner picture processors are digging into early observations, turning knowledge into artistic endeavors, like a spiraling galaxy that appears like a wormhole. And for these extra inclined to snail mail than high-tech picture evaluation, the U.S. Postal Service has a stellar new stamp on supply.
2022-07-21T15:48:49.390Z
Breaking data already!
GLASS-z13, a candidate for probably the most distant identified galaxy, as seen by the James Webb Area Telescope. (Picture credit score: Naidu et al. 2022. Picture: Pascal Oesch (College of Geneva & Cosmic Daybreak Middle, Niels Bohr Institute, College of Copenhagen). Uncooked knowledge: T. Treu (UCLA) and GLASS-JWST. NASA/CSA/ESA/STScI)
Scientists are already making record-breaking discoveries in knowledge from the James Webb Area Telescope. For instance, astronomers have noticed two galaxies which may be probably the most distant ever seen. If the evaluation is confirmed, we’re seeing the galaxies as they existed 300 to 400 million years after the Large Bang. Learn extra>
2022-07-18T17:30:08.805Z
Micrometeoroid aftermath
On the suitable, the state of the James Webb Area Telescope on June 21, 2022, after an unexpectedly massive micrometeoroid strike, in comparison with the anticipated state on the left. (Picture credit score: NASA/STScI)
A report from the James Webb Area Telescope staff printed on July 12 contains particulars concerning the unexpectedly massive micrometeoroid affect the observatory skilled in late Might. Of explicit curiosity is a picture displaying the alignment error remaining after engineering groups adjusted the mirror to compensate. Learn extra>
2022-07-15T12:32:10.247Z
Good day, Jupiter!
Jupiter and its moon Europa, left, are seen by the James Webb Area Telescope’s NIRCam instrument 2.12 micron filter. (Picture credit score: NASA, ESA, CSA, and B. Holler and J. Stansberry (STScI))
On Thursday (July 14), NASA launched its first photographs of photo voltaic system targets captured by the James Webb Area Telescope. The pictures present Jupiter, in addition to a few of its moons and rings.
“I could not imagine that we noticed all the things so clearly, and the way vivid they have been,” Stefanie Milam, Webb’s deputy undertaking scientist for planetary science based mostly at NASA’s Goddard Area Flight Middle in Greenbelt, Maryland, mentioned in a press release. “It is actually thrilling to consider the potential and alternative that we’ve got for observing these sorts of objects in our photo voltaic system.”
Learn extra and revel in extra photographs>
2022-07-14T13:56:11.149Z
A primary-hand account of Tuesday’s huge reveal
An attendee sports activities a themed headband at a information convention held after the discharge of the primary science-quality photographs from the James Webb Area Telescope on the Goddard Area Flight Middle on July 12, 2022. (Picture credit score: NASA/Invoice Ingalls)
Whereas the remainder of us settled for watching from dwelling, a fortunate viewers crowded into an auditorium in Greenbelt, Maryland, to expertise the discharge of the James Webb Area Telescope’s first science-quality photographs first-hand. Area.com Contributor Rebecca Sohn was a kind of attendees, and he or she shared what it was wish to be on the middle of the universe. Learn her account>
2022-07-13T18:05:56.377Z
What’s subsequent for Webb?
With the primary beautiful photographs unveiled, what comes subsequent for the James Webb Area Telescope? Scientists have promised that extra observations will pour out from the mission this week, together with the primary photographs of Jupiter, due on Thursday (July 14).
In the meantime, the telescope is digging into each its early science suite and its first yr initiatives. However scientists are already trying forward the observatory’s second yr, which begins subsequent summer season, because the telescope is out-performing the expectations researchers deliberate this yr’s work round. Learn extra>
And in case you are catching up, this is all our protection to date of yesterday’s picture launch:
Behold! The James Webb Area Telescope’s beautiful 1st science photographs are right here.>
Gallery: James Webb Area Telescope’s 1st photographs>
1st James Webb Area Telescope photographs thrill astronauts, celebs and extra>
Science and emotion meet as astronomers reply to 1st photographs from James Webb Area Telescope>
2022-07-13T14:13:09.814Z
Webb photographs on the large screens
Early photographs captured by the James Webb Area Telescope have been displayed in New York’s Occasions Sq. on July 12, 2022. (Picture credit score: Yuki Iwamura/AFP by way of Getty Photos)
Fortunate passers-by have been handled to fairly the spectacle when the primary scientific photographs of the James Webb Area Telescope shone amid the intense lights of Occasions Sq., New York, and Piccadilly Circus, London, on Tuesday (July 12).
The beautiful photographs of Stephan’s Quintet, the placing Southern Ring Nebula (seen right here), the Cosmic Cliffs within the Carina Nebula and the deep discipline picture that was unveiled on Monday (July 11) by President Joe Biden on the White Home adorned the streets, gifting city-dwellers a singular view of the cosmos.
2022-07-12T16:42:42.151Z
Google marks the event
A Google Doodle commemorating the primary photographs from the James Webb Area Telescope, launched on July 12, 2022. (Picture credit score: Google Doodle)
Google will get in on the James Webb Area Telescope (JWST) motion with an lovely Google Doodle celebrating the area observatory’s first photographs.
The doodle (opens in new tab) reveals Webb snapping photographs of the Stephan’s Quintet, the placing Southern Ring Nebula, the Cosmic Cliffs within the Carina Nebula and the deep discipline picture that was unveiled yesterday by President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and NASA Administrator Invoice Nelson on the White Home.
2022-07-12T16:07:00.983Z
Full protection of Webb’s first photographs
A James Webb Area Telescope picture of the Southern Ring nebula. (Picture credit score: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI)
We’re having fun with a short pause within the pleasure as NASA prepares for a information convention starting at 12:30 p.m. EDT (1630 GMT), throughout which scientists and officers will reply extra questions concerning the newly launched photographs. Whereas we wait, try our full protection of in the present day’s reveals! Learn extra>
2022-07-12T15:26:58.848Z
Final however not least!
A composite picture of the Cosmic Cliffs within the Carina Nebula, created with the Webb telescope’s NIRCam and MIRI devices. (Picture credit score: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI)
Lastly, NASA unveiled a model new picture of the Carina Nebula, a distant, large cloud of fuel and mud the place stars are each forming and dying.
“This beautiful vista of the cosmic cliff of the Carina Nebula reveals new particulars about this cosmic nursery,” Amber Straughn, an astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Area Flight Middle in Maryland, mentioned. “There’s a lot occurring right here, it is so lovely.”
2022-07-12T15:15:25.353Z
Stephan’s Quintet
Stephan’s Quintet, right here seen by the MIRI instrument of JWST. (Picture credit score: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI)
Subsequent up from the dwell reveal: beautiful views of what scientists name Stephan’s Quintet, a group of 5 galaxies, as seen in each near- and mid-infrared.
“It is only the start,” Mark McCraughrean, an astronomer on the European Area Company, mentioned. “We’re prepared now, this telescope is working fantastically properly.”
2022-07-12T15:03:02.238Z
Take a look at the Southern Ring!
The picture is break up down the center, displaying two views of the Southern Ring Nebula. (Picture credit score: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI)
“After we noticed the primary shade photographs, we knew that we had a winner,” Karl Gordon, an astronomer at Area Telescope Science Institute, mentioned of the science staff’s earliest seems on the James Webb Area Telescope’s knowledge. Right here, JWST’s skills are utilized to the Southern Ring nebula.
2022-07-12T14:54:33.098Z
See inside an exoplanet’s ambiance
The ambiance of WASP-96 b analyzed by the James Webb Area Telescope. (Picture credit score: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI)
Picture number one of in the present day’s reveals reveals the ambiance of a scorching exoplanet referred to as WASP-96 b. Learn extra right here>
2022-07-12T13:31:55.719Z
Beginning quickly! Here is the schedule for the day.
Right this moment’s the day area followers have been ready for. Here is what to anticipate as NASA unveils the primary science-quality photographs from the James Webb Area Telescope:
9:45 a.m. EDT (1345 GMT): Opening remarks from NASA management.
10:30 a.m. EDT (1430 GMT): Particular person launch of every new picture.
12:30 p.m. EDT (1630 GMT): NASA officers and scientists will maintain a information convention.
You’ll be able to watch all of those occasions right here at Area.com, and we’ll be sharing dwell updates all through the day.
2022-07-12T10:34:41.277Z
The massive reveal of James Webb Area Telescope photographs is in the present day!
The primary publicly launched science-quality picture from NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope, revealed on July 11, 2022, is the deepest infrared view of the universe to this point. (Picture credit score: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI)
An avalanche of photographs from the magnificent James Webb Area Telescope is ready to be unleashed onto the world in the present day after a taster glimpse into the deepest universe was unveiled on Monday (July 11) by U.S. President Joe Biden.
Scientists and area fanatics alike have been nearly star-struck by Webb’s sharp gaze and the plethora of distant objects the telescope revealed. However the perfect is but to come back in the course of the official picture launch that’s set to start at 10:30 a.m. EDT (1430 GMT) in the present day (July 12), which you’ll be able to watch right here at Area.com courtesy of NASA.
The area company has beforehand hinted which celestial objects area followers can stay up for seeing in these photographs. On Friday (July 8), the company introduced that the reveal will embody views of the Carina and Southern Ring nebulas, in addition to Stephan’s Quintet of intently packed galaxies. Additionally on the agenda is observations of an exoplanet referred to as WASP-96 b, though JWST will not offer a picture of the distant world. As an alternative, scientists will share a spectrum of the planet, which splits mild by wavelength, providing perception into the chemical composition.
2022-07-11T22:51:18.857Z
President Biden unveils JWST’s 1st science picture
This photograph by NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope, which the company unveiled on July 11, 2022, reveals the galaxy cluster SMACS 0723 because it appeared 4.6 billion years in the past. It’s the primary science-quality picture that the mission has revealed. (Picture credit score: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI)
Right this moment (July 11), U.S. President Joe Biden and NASA Administrator Invoice Nelson revealed the primary science-quality picture taken by the company’s $10 billion James Webb Area Telescope. The shot, often known as Webb’s First Deep Area, reveals an amazingly sharp ultra-deep view of the universe, capturing a galaxy cluster referred to as SMACS 0723 because it appeared 4.6 billion years in the past. Learn extra right here>
That is only the start for the Webb mission, which is now prepared to start its extremely anticipated science mission. NASA will reveal a raft of different science-quality Webb photographs throughout an occasion on Tuesday morning (July 12). You’ll be able to watch it right here at Area.com.
2022-07-11T21:39:29.633Z
Take a video tour of Webb’s first targets
On Friday, NASA launched the listing of objects that can star within the first science-quality photographs from the James Webb Area Telescope, that are being launched Monday night and Tuesday morning. Tour them on this video!
2022-07-11T14:23:01.223Z
President Biden to unveil first Webb picture from White Home in the present day
President Joe Biden will unveil the primary picture from NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope, Monday July 11, immediately from the White Home, NASA introduced.
You’ll be able to watch the Monday reveal dwell right here on Area.com at 5 p.m. EDT (2100 GMT) , courtesy of NASA, or immediately on NASA TV.
The Monday launch would be the first time the general public will get a glimpse of a full-color, science-grade picture from the James Webb Area Telescope, probably the most advanced and costly observatory ever constructed.
Introduced on Sunday, July 10, the occasion comes lower than 24 hours forward of the primary launch of the primary science-grade photographs from the observatory, which is scheduled to start at 9.45 a.m. EDT (1345 GMT).
NASA Administrator Invoice Nelson will present remarks, and the picture will concurrently be launched to the general public by way of NASA’s web site, NASA mentioned in a press release (opens in new tab).
Beforehand, the area company launched a sequence of engineering photographs that supplied an enchanting preview of the potential of the telescope, which photographs the cosmos in infrared wavelengths and might thus see far more distant objects than the Hubble Area Telescope.
The engineering photographs, scientists mentioned, saved exceeding expectation, confirming that after years of delays and cost-overruns, the high-tech observatory is ready to dwell as much as the expectations and revolutionize our understanding of the universe.
2022-07-08T18:33:38.395Z
Listed below are the themes of Webb’s first science photographs
The Carina Nebula is a star-forming area within the Sagittarius-Carina arm of the Milky Means that’s 7,500 mild years from Earth. (Picture credit score: NASA/CXC/Penn State/L. Townsley et al.)
NASA has unveiled a listing of celestial objects that can characteristic in Tuesday’s launch of the primary science-quality photographs taken by the James Webb Area Telescope. From nebulas to an exoplanet and extra, see the total listing right here>
2022-07-07T19:41:48.391Z
Shock! We’ll know extra about Webb’s first science photographs tomorrow
We’ll know a smidge extra concerning the topics of the James Webb Area Telescope’s first science-quality photographs a bit sooner than anticipated. NASA has determined to launch on Friday (July 8) a listing of the targets that might be depicted within the observatory’s first knowledge launch, scheduled for July 12, in line with a press release (opens in new tab).
We’ll be again tomorrow to provide the rundown on that listing!
2022-07-07T14:05:12.070Z
One other beautiful preview
This engineering picture captured by the Advantageous Steering Sensor reveals the deepest view of the universe in infrared mild to this point. (Picture credit score: NASA, CSA, and FGS staff)
It is one other teaser for simply how a lot we’ve got to stay up for on Tuesday (July 12) when NASA unveils the primary science-quality photographs from the James Webb Area Telescope. (Watch dwell right here.) On Wednesday (July 7), NASA launched an engineering picture taken by the observatory’s Advantageous Steering Sensor — not a science device however an engineering instrument that retains the telescope pointing correctly. Nonetheless, the brand new picture is at the moment the deepest ever view of the universe and guarantees good issues to come back from the observatory. Learn extra>
2022-06-30T15:08:00.890Z
“That is actually solely the start.”
The James Webb Area Telescope is defend from the solar’s and Earth’s warmth by a large protect. (Picture credit score: Kevin Gill)
Throughout a media occasion held on Wednesday (June 29), scientists hailed the James Webb Area Telescope photographs that NASA will launch on July 12. Company officers hinted at what a few of these photographs might be, scientists mentioned what they hope to be taught from the observatory’s early work, and engineers recounted tense moments from the lengthy path to having an operational telescope in area. Learn extra>
2022-06-29T13:54:43.937Z
Hear dwell!
NASA officers will focus on preparations for the primary science-quality photographs from the James Webb Area Telescope throughout a media teleconference in the present day which you can hearken to dwell starting at 10 a.m. EDT (1400 GMT) within the window above, courtesy of NASA.
2022-06-27T18:45:53.374Z
Webb’s first instrument is prepared for science!
The James Webb Area Telescope is protected against the solar’s and Earth’s warmth by a large protect. (Picture credit score: Kevin Gill)
The primary of the James Webb Area Telescope’s 4 devices has been declared prepared for science. The Close to-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph instrument, or NIRISS, is designed to assist scientists examine the atmospheres of exoplanets, amongst different science duties. Learn extra>
In the meantime, area followers across the globe are counting all the way down to July 12, when NASA has mentioned it’s going to unveil the primary science photographs from the observatory. You can watch the announcement dwell on Area.com, after all, and keep tuned for extra protection.
2022-06-08T20:22:18.973Z
Webb suffers first micrometeoroid impacts
An artist’s depiction of the James Webb Area Telescope at work. (Picture credit score: Northrop Grumman)
The James Webb Area Telescope has suffered its first few micrometeoroid impacts, in line with a NASA assertion. The observatory has skilled 4 small impacts in addition to one bigger strike that hit one of many 18 major mirror segments. Nonetheless, the company mentioned that it doesn’t count on significant modifications to the timeline for first science-quality photographs from the mission or to the observatory’s total scientific legacy. Learn extra>
2022-06-02T12:35:40.291Z
Mark your calendars!
NASA has introduced that it’s going to unveil the primary science-quality photographs from the James Webb Area Telescope on July 12. We do not but know what celestial objects these photographs will present — however they need to be unbelievable. “These photographs would be the end result of many years of dedication, expertise, and desires — however they will even be only the start,” Eric Smith, Webb program scientist at NASA, mentioned in a press release. Learn extra>
2022-05-24T18:02:23.407Z
Webb tracked an asteroid for the primary time
The James Webb Area Telescope has efficiently tracked an asteroid, an necessary testing milestone that proves the observatory can monitor objects inside our photo voltaic system that look like transferring fairly rapidly. Learn extra>
2022-05-09T17:31:07.245Z
Webb is within the homestretch of commissioning
NASA provided an replace on the commissioning of the James Webb Area Telescope on Monday (Might 9), which highlighted a take a look at picture taken by its Mid-Infrared Instrument, or MIRI. The company in contrast the brand new picture, displaying a part of the neighboring Massive Magellanic Cloud galaxy, with one taken by NASA’s earlier infrared observatory, the retired Spitzer Area Telescope. Learn extra>
2022-05-06T18:41:59.458Z
NASA will replace on Webb’s last prep phases
The James Webb Area Telescope is protected against the solar’s and Earth’s warmth by a large kite-shaped protect. (Picture credit score: Kevin Gill)
The James Webb Area Telescope is coming into its last commissioning part earlier than starting science operations this summer season. The final part will give attention to testing the devices aboard the observatory and is anticipated to take about two months.
NASA personnel will replace the general public concerning the telescope’s progress to date and what stays to be performed throughout a information convention on Monday (Might 9) at 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT), which you’ll be able to watch right here on Area.com courtesy of the company or immediately on the company’s web site.
Learn extra>
2022-04-28T21:17:46.558Z
Webb is absolutely aligned and the views are beautiful!
NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope can now seize sharp photographs of celestial objects with a number of devices, the company introduced April 28, 2022. (Picture credit score: NASA/STScI)
The three-month strategy of aligning the James Webb Area Telescope’s devices and mirrors is lastly full, in line with a NASA assertion launched in the present day (April 28). The company shared pattern photographs that, whereas small, showcase the sharp focus of the instrument and supply a tantalizing take a look at what’s to come back. Learn extra>
2022-04-21T21:21:05.094Z
Webb cools down
An illustration of JWST. (Picture credit score: ESA, NASA, S. Beckwith (STScI) and the HUDF Workforce, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Methods / STScI / ATG medialab)
In a brand new replace, NASA revealed that the James Webb Area Telescope is sort of fully-cooled.
Webb observes in infrared mild, which we all know finest as warmth. To ensure its observations aren’t contaminated by any warmth from the scope itself, Webb needs to be extraordinarily chilly. In a brand new weblog put up (opens in new tab), NASA shared that the area telescope could be very near its last temperature.
Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) is now cooled to beneath 7 kelvins (-447 levels Fahrenheit (-266 levels Celsius) and so Webb’s devices are all at their working temperatures. Now, the scope’s mirrors simply want to succeed in their last cooled-down temperatures.
2022-04-13T17:42:42.210Z
Webb meets essential temperature milestone
The James Webb Area Telescope’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) lastly reached the super-cold temperature wanted to function as designed. As a result of the instrument targets infrared mild, which manifests as warmth, the instrument should stay beneath 7 levels Kelvin, which is equal to minus 447 levels Fahrenheit (minus 266 levels Celsius). And after an advanced, cautious cooling course of, that milestone has been reached, in line with NASA. Learn extra>
2022-04-08T15:01:57.780Z
James Webb Area Telescope most heat-sensitive instrument cooling to absolute zero
The James Webb Area Telescope is defend from the solar’s and Earth’s warmth by a large protect. (Picture credit score: Kevin Gill)
The James Webb Area Telescope continues to chill all the way down to its working temperature of minus 369.4 levels Fahrenheit ( minus 223 levels Celsius) because it prepares to take its first scientific photographs of the distant universe this summer season. One of many telescope’s 4 devices, the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI), wants some additional assist from a devoted cryocooler because it must get to an excellent colder temperature of minus 447 levels F ( minus 266 levels C), solely 12 levels F (7 levels C) above absolute zero, the temperature the place the movement of atoms stops.
2022-04-01T20:48:51.094Z
Only one alignment left
A picture taken by the James Webb Area Telescope throughout its alignment course of reveals galaxies and stars within the background. (Picture credit score: NASA/STScI)
The James Webb Area Telescope has only one step of its seven-phase alignment course of left to finish, NASA introduced on April 1. The remaining step requires that the observatory’s most heat-sensitive instrument, the mid-infrared instrument or MIRI cool even farther. That ought to happen within the subsequent few weeks, NASA mentioned, at which level mission personnel can start calibrating the observatory’s devices. Learn extra>
2022-03-16T16:31:23.605Z
Europe’s Gaia observatory spies James Webb Area Telescope (photograph)
(Picture credit score: ESA/Gaia/DPAC; CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO)
Europe’s star-mapping Gaia area observatory managed to snap a picture of NASA’s $10 billion James Webb Area Telescope on Feb. 18, when the duo have been about 620,000 miles (1 million kilometers) aside, we realized in the present day (March 16).
You’ll be able to’t see a lot of Webb — it seems as a faint speck towards a discipline of stars — however recognizing the scope in any respect is an actual achievement. Learn our full story right here.
2022-03-16T16:24:34.969Z
James Webb Area Telescope notches “effective phasing” alignment milestone
(Picture credit score: NASA/STScI)
The James Webb Area Telescope retains checking off packing containers on the way in which towards the beginning of science operations this summer season.
The Webb staff has aligned the $10 billion scope’s 18 major mirror segments and centered them on a single star, NASA officers introduced in the present day (March 16). Extra fine-tuning work stays, however it’s an enormous milestone for the mission and for NASA.
“Greater than 20 years in the past, the Webb staff got down to construct probably the most highly effective telescope that anybody has ever put in area and got here up with an audacious optical design to satisfy demanding science targets,” Thomas Zurbuchen, affiliate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, mentioned in a press release in the present day. “Right this moment we are able to say that design goes to ship.”
Learn the ful story right here.
2022-03-14T17:54:20.720Z
NASA guarantees Wednesday Webb replace and new picture
A picture taken by the James Webb Area Telescope’s 18 mirror segments printed on Feb. 25, 2022. (Picture credit score: NASA/STScI/J. DePasquale)
NASA will replace the general public on Wednesday about progress aligning the James Webb Area Telescope’s major mirror. The golden mirror is made up of 18 hexagonal segments that should be in good alignment for the observatory to seize sharp photographs.
And it appears like that course of goes properly: NASA has promised a brand new picture as properly. “Individuals will share progress made in aligning Webb’s mirrors, leading to a completely centered picture of a single star,” NASA officers wrote in a press release (opens in new tab).
The NASA briefing will start on Wednesday (March 16) at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT) and you may watch dwell right here at Area.com or immediately by way of the company’s YouTube. Audio system will embody:
- Thomas Zurbuchen, affiliate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington
- Lee Feinberg, Webb optical telescope component supervisor, NASA’s Goddard Area Flight Middle in Greenbelt, Maryland
- Marshall Perrin, Webb deputy telescope scientist, Area Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore
- Jane Rigby, Webb operations undertaking scientist, Goddard
- Erin Wolf, Webb program supervisor, Ball Aerospace in Broomfield, Colorado
2022-03-06T15:32:42.024Z
Webb telescope to check quasars, Kuiper Belt
Artist’s idea of a galaxy with an excellent quasar at its middle. (Picture credit score: NASA, ESA, Joseph Olmsted (STScI))
Because the James Webb Area Telescope continues its checkout checks in deep-space, scientists proceed to eagerly await the flood of science discoveries they hope to make with the $10 billion area observatory.
Our newest updates on the Webb area telescope’s mission must do with the Kuiper Belt and quasars, targets each close to (in astronomical scales) and much that Webb will observe to raised perceive the universe.
First, the Kuiper Belt, which is dwelling to icy objects leftover from the formation of the photo voltaic system. As contributing author Elizabeth Howell writes in the present day, a few of Webb’s earliest duties might be to look at good quasars on the coronary heart of distant galaxies to check how these distant objects (powered by black holes billions of instances the mass of our solar) formed the early universe. You’ll be able to learn the total story right here.
Extra nearer to house is the Kuiper Belt, the stomping grounds for Pluto and its largest moon Charon, which might be a goal for Webb. As contributing author Stefanie Waldek studies, one other considered one of Webb’s early science targets might be to look at Pluto and another objects within the Kuiper Belt on the fringe of the photo voltaic system to trace them over time and study their floor chemistry and why there’s such a various vary of objects there.
“Utilizing Webb, we can get details about floor chemistry that may be capable to give us some clues into why there are these completely different populations within the Kuiper Belt,” Heidi Hammel, a Webb interdisciplinary scientist for photo voltaic system observations, mentioned in a press release.
Learn the total story right here.
2022-03-04T14:24:14.186Z
Webb instrument work continues
This gif reveals the “earlier than” and “after” photographs from Phase Alignment, when the staff corrected massive positioning errors of its major mirror segments and up to date the alignment of the secondary mirror. (Picture credit score: NASA/STScI)
NASA engineers are engaged on the fourth stage of the lengthy course of to align the mirrors of the James Webb Area Telescope, in line with a brand new assertion from the company.
The observatory’s Close to-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) instrument has completed preliminary check-out and its three key mechanisms have efficiently been characterised, the assertion famous. The instrument will enable Webb to check the “fingerprint” of sunshine of as much as 100 galaxies at a time, giving scientists essential details about mass, temperature and chemical composition.
We’re additionally highlighting extra of the analysis that Webb will execute as soon as science observations start, together with learning unusual “sub-Neptunes” and evaluating how the exercise of stars would possibly have an effect on close by planets.
Learn extra
2022-02-25T17:49:32.429Z
Almost midway by mirror alignment
This animation reveals the “earlier than” and “after” photographs from the James Webb Area Telescope’s section alignment part, when the staff corrected massive positioning errors of its major mirror segments and up to date the alignment of the secondary mirror. (Picture credit score: NASA/STScI)
Throughout the picture stacking stage, particular person section photographs are moved so that they produce one unified picture as a substitute of 18 separate photographs. On this picture, all 18 segments are stacked on high of one another. After future alignment steps, the picture might be even sharper. (Picture credit score: NASA/STScI)
The James Webb Area Telescope staff simply accomplished the third of seven deliberate steps to align the 18 segments of Webb’s huge mirror.
Throughout the second stage, referred to as “section alignment,” the staff corrected the positions of Webb’s major mirror segments and up to date the alignment of the secondary mirror to deliver the 18 particular person photographs into focus. They then stacked the 18 photographs to supply one unified picture. “After future alignment steps, the picture might be even sharper,” NASA officers mentioned in a press release Friday (Feb. 25).
Learn the total story
2022-02-25T13:54:30.354Z
Webb instrument work continues easily
Because the James Webb Area Telescope continues the sluggish commissioning part, work goes easily, in line with a NASA assertion printed Thursday (Feb. 24). That replace notes particulars about progress in a number of devices, together with filter wheel calibration for the Close to Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (NIRISS) and wheel tuning for the Close to Infrared Digicam (NIRCam). Engineers are additionally working to exactly align the 18 hexagonal segments that make up the observatory’s large golden mirror.
Science observations should not anticipated to start till this summer season, however there’s loads of science to get enthusiastic about in the course of the wait. That science contains plans to contribute to the Occasion Horizon Telescope’s observations of the black gap on the middle of the Milky Means and a program to look at star formation at the moment hidden by layers of mud.
2022-02-18T21:22:18.692Z
Sharpening sight
A single star repeats in a hexagonal sample on this picture throughout James Webb Area Telescope’s alignment, launched on Feb. 18, 2022. (Picture credit score: NASA/STScI/J. DePasquale)
The primary picture NASA shared from the model new James Webb Area Telescope confirmed a star warped over 18 completely different photographs attributable to inconsistencies within the mirror’s alignment. Only a week later, a brand new picture nonetheless reveals one star 18 instances, however now the glint kinds a kind of cosmic snowflake because the observatory’s picture has sharpened. Learn extra>
2022-02-18T16:04:48.840Z
Science sneak peek: interstellar asteroids
An artist’s depiction of the interstellar object ‘Oumuamua. (Picture credit score: NASA, ESA, Joseph Olmsted (STScI), Frank Summers (STScI))
Whereas James Webb Area Telescope engineers proceed aligning the observatory’s segmented golden mirror, scientists are waiting for the analysis the telescope will start conducting this summer season. General, the observations will vary from our personal photo voltaic system to the very earliest days of the universe.
One instance of what astronomers hope to do with Webb? Research any interstellar objects that come speeding by our photo voltaic system. So far, scientists have noticed two: ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and Comet Borisov in 2018. However the James Webb Area Telescope is extra highly effective than something within the sky throughout these two visits, plus it has the capability to look at in infrared, a key ability. Learn extra>
2022-02-17T16:50:27.219Z
It is a lock!
The James Webb Area Telescope’s Advantageous Steering Sensor has efficiently locked onto a star for the primary time, in line with a NASA assertion. The instrument performs a vital position facilitating observations, because it retains the telescope pointing towards the right goal. Learn extra>
Earlier than science observations can start, nonetheless, the observatory nonetheless wants to complete aligning the 18 hexagonal segments of its golden major mirror, a course of that the Advantageous Steering Sensor additionally helps. Though Webb has begun gathering observations and shared its first photographs final week, these will present the identical star a number of instances till the mirror segments are correctly aligned.
2022-02-11T18:07:11.714Z
Webb mission staff ecstatic over first photographs
The primary printed picture taken by the James Webb Area Telescope reveals a part of a mosaic created over 25 hours starting on Feb. 2, 2022, early within the strategy of aligning the 18 segments of the James Webb Area Telescope’s mirror. (Picture credit score: NASA)
Right this moment (Feb. 11), NASA revealed that the James Webb Area Telescope has captured its first photographs of starlight.
And, whereas the mission staff remains to be cautiously trying forward as there’s a lot work to be performed earlier than the scope is absolutely operational and able to start science observations, they’re ecstatic.
A “selfie” reveals the 18 segments of the James Webb Area Telescope’s major mirror as seen from a specialised camera contained in the NIRCam instrument. (Picture credit score: NASA)
“In any case these years, to truly see knowledge once we’re in zero gravity in area, it’s emotional,” Lee Feinberg, the Webb optical telescope component supervisor at NASA’s Goddard Area Flight Middle in Maryland, instructed Area.com in the present day throughout a information convention
Nonetheless, “We nonetheless are being a bit cautious, as a result of we nonetheless have issues that we’ve got to get by … however I’ll undoubtedly say once I went dwelling Saturday evening, two days later [after the image was taken], I do know my spouse mentioned to me it was the primary time she’d seen me smile since December,” he added.
Learn extra concerning the staff’s excited response and Webb’s thrilling milestone right here.
2022-02-11T16:01:48.349Z
See Webb’s first view of area!
The primary printed picture taken by the James Webb Area Telescope reveals a part of a mosaic created over 25 hours starting on Feb. 2, 2022, early within the strategy of aligning the 18 segments of the James Webb Area Telescope’s mirror. (Picture credit score: NASA)
NASA has unveiled Webb’s first picture. The photograph, as seen above, reveals a star referred to as HD 84406 as seen by every of the observatory’s 18 golden mirror segments as scientists proceed to work to align the mirror to supply a single, ultra-crisp picture of the universe.
The company additionally posted a video sharing the story behind the picture:
However that is not all the joy for in the present day! NASA has additionally launched an annotated model of the identical picture, plus a “selfie” taken by the observatory of its personal golden mirror. See these photographs and browse extra right here>
And do not forget to hearken to NASA scientists speak concerning the new photographs dwell proper now (11 a.m. EST/1600 GMT)! You’ll be able to hear right here at Area.com.
2022-02-10T19:49:28.256Z
First Webb photographs out there tomorrow, NASA says
NASA will launch a few of the first photographs taken by the James Webb Area Telescope on Friday (Feb. 11) at 10:30 a.m. EST (1530 GMT), in line with an company replace (opens in new tab). Whereas these photographs are an necessary milestone within the observatory’s commissioning, do not get your hopes up for the following nice view of the universe: These are photographs taken in the course of the mirror alignment course of and are strictly utilitarian.
As well as, NASA will supply an replace on its progress aligning the 18 mirror segments of Webb’s large major reflector. The teleconference will start at 11 a.m. EST (1400 GMT) and might be out there to hearken to on NASA TV (opens in new tab) or right here at Area.com.
Audio system will embody:
- Lee Feinberg, Webb optical telescope component supervisor, NASA’s Goddard Area Flight Middle in Greenbelt, Maryland
- Marshall Perrin, Webb deputy telescope scientist, Area Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore
- Marcia Rieke, principal investigator for the NIRCam instrument and regents professor of astronomy, College of Arizona in Tucson
2022-02-08T23:38:15.123Z
Webb is painted black – however why?
NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is lastly at its dwelling in area the place it is getting ready to look at the cosmos. However to do that, it has to remain ultra-cold. (Webb’s “cool aspect” is minus 388 levels Fahrenheit (minus 233 levels Celsius).)
Webb observes infrared mild, aka warmth, which signifies that to make sure that observations aren’t affected by any extra heat the scope has to remain tremendous chilly. To maintain Webb chilly sufficient, the mission staff painted its radiator (which helps to radiate warmth away from the telescope) and elements an ultra-black shade.
Learn extra about Webb’s paint job and why it has to remain so chilly right here.
2022-02-08T20:09:57.493Z
“First mild” photographs coming quickly
NASA might be releasing the primary photographs from the James Webb Area Telescope within the subsequent few days, NASA’s Webb program director Greg Robinson mentioned in an company city corridor assembly in the present day (Feb. 8). However do not count on these first photographs to be fairly.
“So the attractive, very clear photographs that we count on to see, you will see these in the summertime someday roughly six months after launch,” Robinson mentioned. “Someday subsequent few days, you will notice a few of the first photographs that aren’t so clear … the aim of these is to align the mirrors and ensure the complete system is working,” he added. “We’re in that course of proper now. We only recently began it. So keep tuned over the following few days on these.”
2022-02-03T23:20:15.172Z
Telescope alignment begins
The James Webb Area Telescope mission staff has begun the three-month strategy of aligning the telescope, NASA officers introduced in the present day (Feb. 3).
“This milestone marks the primary of many steps to seize photographs which are at first unfocused and use them to slowly fine-tune the telescope,” NASA officers wrote in an replace in the present day (opens in new tab). “That is the very starting of the method, however to date the preliminary outcomes match expectations and simulations.”
Learn the total story: Alignment of James Webb Area Telescope begins
2022-02-01T17:06:41.890Z
James Webb Area Telescope’s exoplanet plan, devices on
NASA flight controllers are have switched on the 4 principal devices aboard the James Webb Area Telescope as they put together to snap the primary photographs of a goal star that might be used to align the observatory’s 18-segment principal mirror.
The instrument activation started final week. Here is our full report from senior author Tereza Pultarova.
In the meantime, with Webb’s commissioning underway, scientists at the moment are eyeing a future of fantastic astronomy with the massive area observatory. One scientist, the Ph.D. candidate Louis-Philippe Coulombe of the College of Montreal, wrote in an op-ed that he’s desperate to see how Webb will assist map the ambiance of exoplanets, one thing the observatory ought to be capable to do higher than any area telescope to this point.
2022-01-30T14:48:29.715Z
James Webb Area Telescope waking up
(Picture credit score: ESA)
The James Webb Area Telescope is starting to get up.
In a city corridor press convention on Friday (Jan. 28), scientists with NASA’s Webb Area Telescope mission outlined the work to date to fee the observatory at its new dwelling on the Earth-sun Lagrange level 2. Throughout that digital briefing, Webb scientists outlined the activation sequence for Webb’s principal devices, in addition to the months-long mirror alignment and focusing work that’s underway now.
Learn our full story from Elizabeth Howell on Webb’s commissioning work from the briefing.
2022-01-29T13:25:27.454Z
Meet Webb’s 1st goal star: HD 84406
The star HD 84406 is situated within the constellation Ursa Main, close to the Large Dipper. (Picture credit score: SkySafari)
Scientists with NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope have picked the primary star they may goal at with the brand new observatory and it is in a really acquainted place.
The star, referred to as HD 84406, is situated within the constellation Ursa Main, the Large Bear, which is dwelling to a star sample you could know higher because the Large Dipper.
Webb scientists will use the star to focus every of the 18 mirror segments of Webb’s major mirror. HD 84406 is a sun-light star about 260 light-years from Earth, and may have binoculars to see clearly.
Here is our full story on HD 84406, the primary goal of the James Webb Area Telecope.
Additionally this week, Invoice Ochs, NASA’s Webb telescope undertaking supervisor, thanked the mission staff for its wonderful work and dedication to get the observatory to its L2 observing spot. Ochs quoted Jimmy Buffett as he hailed the staff, altering some key lyrics.
Test it out!
2022-01-28T15:45:38.436Z
Good day, devices!
In line with an emailed assertion from the Canadian Area Company (CSA), Webb will start turning on its science devices in the present day (Jan. 28). That may embody the Advantageous Steering Sensor, which can information the observatory’s mirrors by the fragile alignment course of to show 18 small particular person views into one large view of the universe.
Within the meantime, think about studying this op-ed from Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA’s affiliate administrator for science, celebrating the huge staff behind the James Webb Area Telescope.
“We did it. We did it, and you may see that speck of sunshine within the sky due to an unbelievable staff with extraordinary tenacity,” Zurbuchen wrote. Learn extra>
2022-01-25T00:01:41.022Z
Scientists relieved (and thrilled) after Webb’s trek
(Picture credit score: ESA)
With the James Webb Area Telescope now at its last vacation spot, scientists can set free a deep sigh of reduction. After simply over a month in area (and many years in growth), Webb is now at its observing website.
“We’re a month in, and the infant hasn’t even opened its eyes but. However that is the science that we’re trying ahead to,” Jane Rigby, Webb operations undertaking supervisor at NASA’s Goddard Area Flight Middle, mentioned throughout a media teleconference on Monday.
You’ll be able to learn Rigby’s response and people of her Webb telescope colleagues on this replace from in the present day’s teleconference by contributing author Elizabeth Howell.
Area.com Senior Author Chelsea Gohd has this account of Webb’s arrival at L2 with feedback from NASA chief Invoice Nelson and others.
2022-01-24T23:27:14.795Z
The James Webb Area Telescope is “dwelling”
(Picture credit score: NASA)
Right this moment (Jan. 24), the James Webb Area Telescope arrived in orbit round L2, the second sun-Earth Lagrange level, its last vacation spot after an extended nearly million-mile (1.5 million kilometers) journey from Earth.
To be taught extra about Webb’s arrival at L2, try this text on Area.com right here.
2022-01-24T19:22:08.929Z
Webb arrives at L2!
The James Webb Area Telescope has accomplished its MCC2 maneuver, an insertion burn into orbit round L2 on Jan. 24, 2022. (Picture credit score: NASA)
The James Webb Area Telescope has arrived!
Webb has accomplished the mid-course correction burn (MCC2), an insertion burn that has guided it into its orbit round its last dwelling in area, NASA introduced in a weblog put up in the present day (opens in new tab) (Jan. 24).
Starting at 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT), the area telescope fired its onboard thrusters for about 5 minutes (297 seconds) to finish this burn maneuver. The burn added nearly 2.6 miles per hour (1.6 meters per second) (a strolling tempo, NASA famous), to Webb’s velocity because the craft sailed right into a halo orbit round its vacation spot: L2, the second sun-Earth Lagrange level.
🏠 Residence, dwelling on Lagrange! We efficiently accomplished our burn to begin #NASAWebb on its orbit of the 2nd Lagrange level (L2), about one million miles (1.5 million km) from Earth. It is going to orbit the Solar, consistent with Earth, because it orbits L2. https://t.co/bsIU3vccAj #UnfoldTheUniverse pic.twitter.com/WDhuANEP5hJanuary 24, 2022
L2, which lies nearly one million miles (1.5 million kilometers) from Earth reverse the solar, is a gravitationally secure level that Webb will orbit as it really works. Webb will spend the following few weeks in its new dwelling cooling down earlier than taking about 5 months to organize its science devices to get to work.
“Webb, welcome dwelling!” NASA Administrator Invoice Nelson mentioned within the weblog put up. “Congratulations to the staff for all of their laborious work guaranteeing Webb’s secure arrival at L2 in the present day. We’re one step nearer to uncovering the mysteries of the universe. And I can’t wait to see Webb’s first new views of the universe this summer season!”
Be a part of NASA dwell at 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT) right here (opens in new tab) to be taught extra concerning the profitable arrival and what’s subsequent for Webb.
2022-01-24T19:02:20.103Z
Insertion burn beginning!
The James Webb Area Telescope has begun its MCC2 maneuver, an insertion burn into orbit round L2 on Jan. 24, 2022. (Picture credit score: NASA)
The James Webb Area Telescope has begun its mid-course correction burn (MCC2), the insertion burn that can ease it into its halo orbit round its final dwelling in area: L2, the second Lagrange level.
The #NASAWebb L2 Mid Course Correction Burn (MCC2) is ongoing: https://t.co/xpsH2rVmMX#UnfoldTheUniverse pic.twitter.com/8Yi2q9Mi8eJanuary 24, 2022
Lagrange factors are gravitationally secure factors in area, and L2 is situated nearly one million miles (1.5 million kilometers) away from Earth on the alternative aspect of the solar. This vantage level will assist Webb to remain chilly, which is essential for its science devices to work as deliberate.
Be a part of NASA specialists LIVE at 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT) to listen to about Webb’s progress and new dwelling at L2.
2022-01-24T18:52:12.852Z
About to start insertion burn!
Webb is about to fireside its thrusters to get to its final vacation spot!
Right this moment (Jan. 24), the James Webb Area Telescope makes its arrival at its new dwelling in area, in orbit round L2, the second sun-Earth Lagrange level which lies on the alternative aspect of Earth because the solar.
To get into orbit round L2, Webb is starting what is named the mid-course correction burn (MCC2), an insertion burn that can ease the area telescope into its working orbit, a halo orbit, round L2.
Webb will start MCC2 at 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT) and, at 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT), NASA officers might be updating the general public and answering questions dwell proper right here.
2022-01-24T13:34:28.799Z
Right this moment is the day!
An artist’s depiction of the absolutely deployed James Webb Area Telescope finishing its last burn to succeed in orbit round L2. (Picture credit score: NASA)
Almost a month after its beautiful Christmas Day launch, NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is because of arrive in orbit round L2 in the present day (Jan. 24).
At about 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT), the mission staff will direct the observatory to fireside its thrusters for about 5 minutes, finishing the lengthy journey of practically 1 million miles (1.5 million kilometers).
NASA won’t be broadcasting the burn dwell, however scientists might be speaking about what’s subsequent for the observatory throughout a 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT) broadcast and the company will maintain a media teleconference at 4 p.m. EST (2100 GMT) as properly. You’ll be able to watch each occasions dwell on Area.com.
Though arrival in orbit marks the final main milestone within the observatory’s deployment, the telescope is not fairly able to do science. The mission staff nonetheless wants to exactly align the 18 golden mirror segments into one huge reflector and to calibrate the observatory’s devices.
NASA has mentioned to count on the James Webb Area Telescope to start science operations this summer season.
2022-01-23T13:20:58.339Z
James Webb Area Telescope 1 day from L2
An artist’s depiction of the absolutely deployed James Webb Area Telescope finishing its last burn to succeed in orbit round L2. (Picture credit score: NASA)
NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is sooner or later away from arriving at its last vacation spot for its bold science mission: a gravitationally secure level in area often known as the Earth-sun Lagrange level 2, or L2.
As of 8 a.m. EST (1300 GMT), the Webb Area Telescope was about 17,310 miles (27,854 kilometers) away from the L2 location, and about 893,897 miles (1,438,484 km) from the Earth. The L2 location is almost 1 million miles from Earth on the alternative aspect of the Earth from the solar.
Webb is anticipated to enter orbit across the L2 level on Monday, Jan. 24. To take action, it’s going to hearth its thrusters at 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT) on Monday for a couple of minutes to push it the ultimate distance into L2 orbit.
NASA is anticipated to host a dwell webcast of the L2 arrival insertion burn and comply with it up with a NASA Science Reside program to debate the occasion at 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT). At 4 p.m. EST (2100 GMT), NASA will maintain a press teleconference on the occasion to debate the following steps for the area telescope.
2022-01-20T22:37:45.549Z
L2 on Monday
NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is just some days away from its arrival at its dwelling in area: L2, or the second Lagrange level, gravitationally secure factors in area. L2 is positioned on the aspect of Earth reverse the solar.
Whereas NASA had beforehand anticipated Webb to reach at L2 on Jan. 23, 29 days after its Dec. 25 launch, Webb is now anticipated to start its mid-course correction burn (MCCB), or insertion burn, into an orbit round L2 on Monday (Jan. 24).
You can watch a dwell broadcast with scientists and engineers working the area telescope on Monday at 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT).
2022-01-20T15:33:49.109Z
Subsequent cease, L2.
Webb’s subsequent main milestone might be its arrival in orbit round some extent in area referred to as the Earth-sun Lagrange level 2, or L2. This video explains the place L2 is and why the observatory will camp out in orbit round it.
2022-01-19T20:30:46.549Z
Mirror deployment is full
Simply in from the @NASAWebb staff: All 18 major mirror segments and the secondary mirror at the moment are absolutely deployed!Congratulations to the groups which were working tirelessly since launch to get so far. Quickly, Webb will arrive at its new dwelling, L2!#unfoldtheuniverse pic.twitter.com/QsIyr5AWiiJanuary 19, 2022
The 18 major mirror segments of the James Webb Area Telescope are absolutely deployed, in line with a tweet from NASA Administrator Invoice Nelson. The observatory has one deployment milestone excellent, a last course correction burn. Learn extra>
2022-01-14T19:04:03.209Z
Quick ahead to Webb’s first look
NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope, seen right here in an artist’s illustration, deployed its last major mirror section on Jan. 8, 2022, a essential milestone for its mission to check the universe. (Picture credit score: NASA)
NASA is constant to regulate the person mirror segments of the James Webb Area Telescope because the observatory continues its trek to orbit practically 1 million miles (1.5 million kilometers) away from Earth. Within the meantime, we’re waiting for the large second: What’s going to the observatory take a look at first? Learn extra>
2022-01-12T21:08:18.245Z
Time to regulate these mirrors
NASA has confirmed that the staff behind the James Webb Area Telescope have begun the method of aligning the observatory’s mirrors, which have been stowed for launch. The preliminary changes will take about 10 days, in line with a mission timeline, though NASA expects to spend about three months to fully align the panels right into a working telescope. Learn extra>
2022-01-12T13:34:40.820Z
Onto Webb’s mirror segments
In line with a NASA timeline (opens in new tab), the staff behind the James Webb Area Telescope will seemingly start transferring the 18 particular person segments of the observatory’s hexagonal golden mirror out of their launch configurations on Wednesday (Jan. 12).
This course of is sluggish and finicky, and is anticipated to take about 10 days. Every of the 18 major mirror segments is held in place by seven completely different actuators that may regulate their place and curvature tremendous exactly. However even as soon as this course of is full, the observatory staff might want to spend about three extra months getting the honeycomb of mirrors to work collectively to supply one sharp picture.
Webb has been in area for 18 days now and is greater than 82% of the way in which to its last vacation spot. The observatory will orbit some extent referred to as the Earth-sun Lagrange level 2, or L2, which is situated practically 1 million miles (1.5 million kilometers) away from Earth on the aspect reverse the solar. The observatory has coated greater than 740,000 miles (1.2 million km) and has 160,000 miles (250,000 km) extra to go.
You’ll be able to observe the telescope’s (opens in new tab) location, temperature and deployment by way of NASA.
2022-01-11T15:10:30.838Z
Webb retains trekking out to area
A diagram depicting JWST’s orbit round L2 compared to Earth, the moon and the solar. (Picture credit score: NASA)
NASA has once more delayed starting work on aligning the person mirror segments of the James Webb Area Telescope, in line with an company timeline (opens in new tab), with that undertaking now scheduled to start Wednesday (Jan. 12). The method will take a number of days and strikes the 18 particular person hexagons of the golden major mirror out of their launch configuration.
Within the meantime, Webb continues its lengthy journey out to Earth-sun Lagrange level 2, or L2. The observatory is at the moment 80% of the way in which to L2 and has traveled practically 725,000 miles (1.16 million kilometers) away from Earth. To comply with Webb’s journey, seek the advice of NASA’s monitoring web site (opens in new tab) for the observatory, which additionally tracks the deployment course of.
2022-01-10T15:33:30.300Z
Webb work continues
Changes to the 18 golden mirror segments of Webb’s major mirror are attributable to start tomorrow, Jan. 11, in line with the deployment timeline supplied by NASA (opens in new tab). That course of is anticipated to take a number of days and marks the observatory’s transition from deployment into commissioning.
In the meantime, the observatory continues its trek out to its station orbiting Earth-sun Lagrange level 2, or L2, which is situated about 1 million miles (1.5 million kilometers) away from Earth on the aspect reverse the solar. As of in the present day (Jan. 10), the telescope is greater than 78% of the way in which to orbit, having traveled greater than 700,000 miles (1.1 million km) from Earth, in line with NASA’s observatory tracker (opens in new tab).
2022-01-09T13:15:38.554Z
Mirror alignment to start for Webb Area Telescope
This animation of the James Webb Area Telescope reveals how mild is mirrored from its mirrors onto its scientific devices. (Picture credit score: NASA)
With the James Webb Area Telescope now absolutely deployed, work is anticipated to start in the present day to begin aligning the 18 particular person mirrors that make up the observatory’s major mirror. It’s not a quick course of.
Full story: The James Webb Area Telescope is absolutely deployed. So what’s subsequent?
“This operation is a multi-day multi-step exercise to activate and transfer every of its 18 major mirror segments (that are adjustable) out of their launch configuration, NASA wrote in a deployment information. “The first mirror segments and secondary mirror are moved by six actuators which are hooked up to the again of every mirror piece. The first mirror segments even have an extra actuator at its middle that adjusts its curvature. The telescope’s tertiary mirror stays stationary.”
The first mirror is Webb’s principal mild assortment floor. It is going to mirror mild to the tertiary mirror situated on booms in entrance of the telescope, which then bounces the sunshine into Webb’s devices.
Every of the 18 segments of the first mirror is plated in a shiny, however extremely skinny, layer of gold. If left in launch place, they’d act as particular person telescopes with photographs that might be fuzzy and unclear. As soon as aligned, the mirror segments will act as one big mirror 21.3 toes (6.5 meters) throughout, the most important ever in area.
NASA has estimated that it may take as much as 120 days after launch for Webb’s mirror alignment work to be full. The primary photographs from Webb should not anticipated till about 5 months after launch as soon as commissioning ends. — Tariq Malik
Here is a take a look at how Webb’s focusing works:
2022-01-08T20:31:47.251Z
James Webb Area Telescope deployment success
An elated mission staff for NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope confirmed that the area observatory is in nice form after a deployment part that was 100% profitable.
“It’s a absolutely deployed telescope able to carry out implausible science to develop our information,” mentioned John Durning, Webb Deputy Challenge Supervisor of NASA Goddard.
Up subsequent for the Webb staff is a five-month commissioning part to calibrate the telescope’s optics and regulate its mirrors. Webb is at the moment making its solution to its last observing website practically 1 million miles (1.6 km) from Earth and is because of arrive round Jan. 23.
To enter orbit round its Lagrange 2 level, Webb must carry out a brief maneuver, however it’s anticipated to go properly.
You’ll be able to learn our wrap story on in the present day’s Webb mirror deployment success right here. — Tariq Malik
2022-01-08T20:00:33.504Z
NASA Webb Area Telescope press convention underway
NASA’s post-deployment press convention is underway now and you may watch it dwell within the video window on the high of this web page.
NASA is holding two panels, one on the deployment’s success and the opposite on what’s subsequent for the Webb Area Telescope.
Here is a rundown of the audio system for the briefing:
Panel on Webb Area Telescope deployment success
Invoice Ochs, Webb Challenge Supervisor, NASA Goddard
Mike Menzel, Mission Methods Engineer, NASA Goddard
Scott Willoughby, Vice President and Program Supervisor, Webb, Northrop Grumman
Vince Heeg, Deputy Program Supervisor, Northrop Grumman
Panel on what’s subsequent for James Webb Area Telescope
John Durning, Webb Deputy Challenge Supervisor, NASA Goddard
Lee Feinberg, Webb Optical Telescope Aspect Supervisor, NASA Goddard
Jane Rigby, Webb Operations Challenge Scientist, NASA Goddard
Heidi Hammel, Vice President for Science, Area Telescope Science Institute
2022-01-08T19:04:53.469Z
Success! Webb Area Telescope major mirror latched
Congratulations, @NASAWebb! You might be absolutely deployed! 🥳Keep tuned over the approaching months because the area telescope reaches its vacation spot of Lagrange level 2 and prepares to #UnfoldTheUniverse: pic.twitter.com/qg6jmVRCsHJanuary 8, 2022
James Webb Area Telescope mission engineers confirmed that the observatory’s starboard major mirror wing efficiently latched into place at 1:17 p.m. EST (1817 GMT), marking an finish to a two-week course of that was NASA’s most-complicated deployment in area telescope historical past.
Cheers erupted at Webb’s mission operations middle on the Area Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, because the mission staff now prepares for an arduous three-month course of to align and calibrate the $10 billion area telescope.
“Right this moment, NASA achieved one other engineering milestone many years within the making!” NASA Administrator Invoice Nelson mentioned on Twitter. “Whereas the journey shouldn’t be full, I be part of the Webb staff in respiratory a bit simpler and imagining the longer term breakthroughs sure to encourage the world.”
NASA will maintain a press convention at 2:30 p.m. EST (1930 GMT) for in the present day’s profitable deployment. You can watch that dwell right here at begin time.
2022-01-08T16:33:54.259Z
Latching underway for Webb telescope mirror
James Webb Area Telescope engineers have handed the midway mark in latching the observatory’s starboard mirror wing in place.
The latching course of started shortly after 10:30 a.m. EST (1530 GMT) and was anticipated to take round two hours to finish.
2022-01-08T15:35:19.876Z
Webb Area Telescope mirror absolutely deployed!
The mission operations staff of NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope cheers as the massive observatory unfolded its last mirror segments into place to finish its deployment on Jan. 8, 2022. (Picture credit score: NASA)
It is official, the first mirror of NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is totally deployed, the ultimate step of its unprecedented two-week deployment part that started with a Dec. 25 launch.
“I simply really feel this type of glow in my chest proper now simply seeing that mirror deployed all collectively,” NASA scientist Michelle Thaller mentioned in a dwell webcast because the Webb mission staff applauded and shared high-fives.
2022-01-08T15:24:27.304Z
Webb area telescope starboard mirror in movement
The Webb Area Telescope’s mission operations staff has commanded Webb to deploy its starboard mirror wing.
It ought to take 4 to five minutes for the mirror section to swing into place, after which it’s going to take a couple of hours to latch into place.
2022-01-08T15:04:35.620Z
Launch locks launched from Webb mirror
The 4 launch locks securing the Webb Area Telescope’s starboard mirror wing in place have efficiently been unlocked, liberating the mirror section for its last transfer.
A sequence of motors efficiently labored to unlock the launch locks. They have been the ultimate essential films of 178 mechanism firings that have been important to go easily for Webb’s deployment during the last two weeks, NASA says. These actions have been non-redundant, if one failed it might have doomed the Webb Area Telescope.
“178 out of 178, congratulations,” Webb’s Mission Operations Supervisor simply mentioned.
The mirror section is anticipated to start slowly transferring quickly, with main motion to start in about 20 minutes. As soon as in place, it’s going to take about two hours to latch it securely in place. — Tariq Malik
2022-01-08T15:00:26.254Z
Last mirror unfolding begins for Webb Area Telescope
NASA has begun unfolding the ultimate mirror wing for the James Webb Area Telescope. You’ll be able to watch it within the dwell video feed on the high of this web page.
Telescope controllers are working to ship instructions that can take away the launch locks on Webb’s starboard mirror wing. Right this moment’s mirror unfolding will swing three last mirror segments into place to finish the 18-segment major mirror deployment, the ultimate step for Webb’s two-week deployment part.
Here is a better take a look at the first mirror of James Webb Area Telescope
2022-01-08T14:50:09.435Z
Webb Area Telescope last deployment underway
NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope mirror deployment webcast is underway. You’ll be able to watch it above right here hosted by NASA scientist Michelle Thaller.
2022-01-08T13:05:54.765Z
NASA to webcast Webb last mirror deployment
This NASA animation reveals the deployment of the James Webb Area Telescope’s starboard mirror wing to finish its deployment on Jan. 8, 2022. (Picture credit score: NASA)
Replace for 9 a.m. EST: NASA’s dwell webcast seems delayed. As soon as it begins, it’s going to seem on this web page.
It is a main day for the James Webb Area Telescope. Two weeks after its Dec. 25 launch, The Webb area telescope is scheduled to unfold its last mirror section in the present day, Jan. 8, in the present day.
NASA will webcast the deployment of the Webb’s starboard major mirror section dwell, with a livestream starting no sooner than 9 a.m. EST (1400 GMT). You can watch that dwell on this web page as soon as it begins.
Right this moment’s mirror deployment will use motors to swing Webb’s starboard major mirror wing, which consists of three mirror segments, into its last place. It is going to then be latched into place.
“Upon completion, Webb could have concluded its main deployment sequence,” NASA officers wrote in an replace on Friday (opens in new tab) after Webb’s port mirror wing was deployed.
After in the present day’s mirror deployment, NASA will maintain a press convention to start no sooner than 1:30 p.m. EST ( 1730 GMT). — Tariq Malik
2022-01-07T23:08:03.619Z
Reside webcast delayed to Saturday
The Digital Telescope Challenge’s dwell webcast of the James Webb Area Telescope in deep area has been postponed till Saturday (Jan. 8), as a result of clouds above the observatory Italy didn’t clear up in time to see it in the present day. The webcast is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. EST (2130 GMT).
The climate forecast for Saturday’s statement seems extra promising, Gianluca Masi of the Digital Telescope Challenge instructed Area.com in an e-mail.
2022-01-07T21:22:48.754Z
Digital Telescope Challenge JWST webcast delayed
Astrophysicist Gianluca Masi of the Digital Telescope Challenge close to Rome, Italy will broadcast dwell views of the distant James Webb Area Telescope in the present day, starting at 5:30 p.m. EST (2230 GMT). The webcast was initially scheduled to start an hour earlier, however clouds are at the moment blocking the view.
You’ll be able to tune in dwell within the window above, courtesy of the Digital Telescope Challenge.
Learn extra: Watch the James Webb Area Telescope soar by area on this livestream in the present day!
2022-01-07T19:36:01.788Z
1st mirror wing deployed
The James Webb Area Telescope unfolded the primary of two wing segments on its hexagonal gold-coated major mirror on Friday (Jan. 7). NASA obtained affirmation of the profitable deployment at roughly 2:11 p.m. EST (1911 GMT), company officers wrote in a weblog put up (opens in new tab).
Full story: James Webb Area Telescope has unfolded 1st wing of large golden mirror
Nope, we’re not simply winging it! However we did efficiently deploy and latch the primary of our two major mirror wings. 😎These aspect panels, folded again for launch, every maintain 3 of Webb’s 18 mirror segments. Subsequent up: our last wing! https://t.co/xnaWZXYiSx #UnfoldTheUniverse pic.twitter.com/mBQ0S7eB2wJanuary 7, 2022
2022-01-07T14:33:36.142Z
Webb’s principal mirror deployment has begun!
An animation reveals the deployment of the port aspect of the first mirror of the James Webb Area Telescope. (Picture credit score: NASA)
The James Webb Area Telescope has begun unfolding the left aspect panel of its golden major mirror, in line with a NASA assertion (opens in new tab) printed simply earlier than 9:30 a.m. EST (1430 GMT). The panel holds three of the hexagonal mirror segments the observatory makes use of to catch mild.
Throughout the deployment, staff members will unlatch the wing from its saved place, then motors will unfold the panel in a course of anticipated to take about 5 minutes. Then, the staff will spend about two hours latching the panel into place, in line with the assertion.
The staff is anticipated to repeat the method tomorrow (Jan. 8) on the suitable aspect of the observatory, which can mark the final main unfolding from the spacecraft’s launch place. That occasion might be livestreamed starting round 9 a.m. EST (1400 GMT), NASA has acknowledged.
2022-01-07T12:36:16.537Z
Webb principal mirror deployment begins in the present day
This NASA animation reveals the deployment of the port mirror wing on the James Webb Area Telescope. (Picture credit score: NASA)
The James Webb Area Telescope will start its last main unfolding occasions in the present day with the primary of two major mirror deployments.
Right this moment, Webb is anticipated to unfold and safe its port major mirror wing, which accommodates three of the area telescope’s 18 hexagon-shaped mirror segments.
“Webb’s last sequence of main deployments is deliberate to begin tomorrow, Jan. 7, with the rotation into place of the primary of two major mirror wings,” NASA wrote in an replace on Jan. 6 (opens in new tab). “The second major mirror wing – Webb’s last main spacecraft deployment – is deliberate for Saturday, Jan. 8.”
Webb’s two major mirror wings, port and starboard, every have three mirror segments. They have been folded again behind the central mirror face throughout launch to be able to match contained in the payload fairing of Webb’s Ariane 5 rocket.
In different Webb information, the European Area Company launched a surprising HD video of the James Webb Area Telescope captured simply after it separated from its Ariane 5 rocket. You’ll be able to watch that video of Webb right here. It’s the final view of the area telescope we’ll ever see.
Why is it the final view? The James Webb Area Telescope does not have onboard cameras.
2022-01-06T15:04:09.092Z
Webb Mirror deployment webcast replace
That is an replace to notice that NASA’s webcast of the James Webb Area Telescope’s mirror deployment will really happen on Saturday, Jan. 8, at a time nonetheless to be decided based mostly on NASA’s newest dwell broadcast schedule (opens in new tab).
Webb’s flight controllers plan to deploy the the telescope’s aft radiator as quickly as in the present day earlier than continuing with the port and starboard mirror deployments on Friday and Saturday. Sorry for any confusion, area followers! — Tariq Malik
2022-01-06T12:16:09.524Z
James Webb Area Telescope to deploy port mirror wing
This NASA animation reveals the deployment of the port mirror wing on the James Webb Area Telescope. (Picture credit score: NASA)
The James Webb Area Telescope is anticipated to start unfolding its major mirror in the present day, Jan. 6, beginning with the port aspect.
In what might be a two-day course of, Webb will unfold first the port aspect after which the starboard aspect wings of its 18-segment major mirror, which is made up of shiny gold hexagons. There are three mirror segments on every wing.
Every of the wings have been folded for launch to be able to match contained in the payload fairing of Webb’s Ariane 5 rocket.
Whereas the mirror unfolding course of is scheduled to take two days, it may happen quicker. Webb’s mission operations staff has been operating forward of schedule for a number of key steps.
NASA will webcast in the present day’s Webb mirror deployment on NASA TV. A time has not been launched for the webcast’s begin. As soon as we’ve got extra info, we’ll share that right here. — Tariq Malik
2022-01-05T17:06:40.480Z
James Webb Area Telescope secondary mirror latched securely
This NASA animation reveals the deployment of the James Webb Area Telescope’s secondary mirror out in entrance of its principal mirror meeting. (Picture credit score: NASA)
The secondary mirror of NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is now securely latched into place, marking a profitable finish to in the present day’s deployment step. NASA’s webcast has ended. You’ll be able to learn our full story by senior author Tereza Pultarova right here.
Deploying the mirror is the newest essential step for the Webb area telescope. The secondary mirror will focus mild from the primary mirror into the observatory’s optics.
Over the following few days, Webb will deploy its aft radiator, adopted by folding out the 2 aspect segments, or wings, of its principal mirror. These steps will mark the ultimate main deployment phases of the telescope.
Engineers will nonetheless have to maneuver every of the 18 major mirror segments out of their launch configuration in order that they are often calibrated for observations. As soon as that’s full (slated for 15 days after launch), the following main step might be Webb’s arrival into orbit round its L2 level.
2022-01-05T16:38:15.034Z
Webb area telescope secondary mirror deployed
NASA studies that the secondary mirror of the James Webb Area Telescope has efficiently unfolded and is now in place.
Mission operations controllers at the moment are working to drive latches into place to safe the mirror in its deployed configuration. Here is a glance of how the operation went:
(Picture credit score: NASA)
2022-01-05T15:34:35.859Z
NASA Webb mirror deployment webcast begins
NASA’s dwell webcast of the James Webb Area Telescope’s secondary mirror deployment has begun! You’ll be able to watch dwell within the window above.
2022-01-05T12:18:15.557Z
NASA to Webbcast secondary tescope mirror deployment
This NASA animation reveals the deployment of the James Webb Area Telescope’s secondary mirror out in entrance of its principal mirror meeting. (Picture credit score: NASA)
Replace: NASA’s webcast will now start at 10:20 a.m. EST (1520 GMT).
NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope will deploy its secondary mirror in the present day and you’ll comply with the milestone dwell in a webcast in the present day starting at 10:20 a.m. EST (1520 GMT).
Throughout this step, Webb will unfold a sequence of booms that maintain the secondary mirror out in entrance of the observatory’s principal multi-segmented mirror. You can watch the dwell webcast on this web page as soon as it begins, and you may watch it immediately from NASA right here (opens in new tab).
“Webb’s secondary mirror is on the finish of the Secondary Mirror Assist Construction (SMSS),” NASA wrote in a deployment description. “As it’s deployed, its lengthy booms will swing the secondary mirror out in entrance of the first mirror. The secondary mirror performs an necessary position in reflecting the sunshine from the first mirror to the place the devices sit, behind the first mirror.”
On Monday, Webb accomplished its enormous sunshield deployment. Here is a take a look at what’s forward this week for the James Webb Area Telescope this week.
2022-01-04T21:47:13.849Z
Take heed to NASA’s sunshield briefing
Right this moment’s dwell broadcast of the Webb telescope sunshield and deployments media teleconference didn’t air dwell on NASA TV because the company mentioned it might — however now you can hearken to a recording of the briefing on YouTube (opens in new tab).
2022-01-04T17:31:47.331Z
NASA briefing coming quickly…
NASA officers will maintain a media teleconference at 12:45 p.m EST (1745 GMT) in the present day to debate the just lately accomplished deployment of the James Webb Area Telescope’s sunshield and go over subsequent steps for the observatory.
You’ll be able to hearken to the teleconference dwell within the window above, courtesy of NASA TV, or immediately by way of nasa.gov/dwell (opens in new tab).
2022-01-04T17:09:18.236Z
James Webb Area Telescope sunshield tensioning full!
NASA has simply confirmed that the fifth and last layer of the James Webb Area Telescope’s warmth protect has been efficiently tensioned, marking the tip of the sunshield deployment work that started final week.
“That is an historic day,” NASA scientist Michelle Thaller mentioned throughout a dwell webcast. “The primary main part of the deployment of the sunshield has been compete.”
Our wrap story on the occasion might be posted shortly.
2022-01-04T12:18:40.881Z
NASA webcast for Webb sunshield tensioning
Replace: NASA’s Webb sunshield tensioning webcast is beneath manner. Watch dwell above for the essential milestone for the James Webb Area Telescope.
It is Day 2 of sunshield tensioning for NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope and the area company will webcast dwell views from Webb’s mission operations middle in Baltimore, Maryland in the present day beginning at 9:30 a.m. EST (1430 GMT). You can watch that dwell right here within the window above at begin time.
NASA didn’t state how lengthy the webcast will final, however the company does have one other occasion scheduled for 11:25 a.m. EST from the Worldwide Area Station, so it seemingly will not final past that.
Webb’s sunshield tightening is the ultimate step within the intricate unfurling of the area telescope’s tennis court-sized protect to guard it from daylight and hold it cool sufficient for science. It entails utilizing a sequence of motors to place and tighten the 5 ultra-thin layers of Webb’s reflective sunshield.
The method started on Monday, Jan. 3, with Layer 1 tightening and was anticipated to finish as quickly as Wednesday, Jan. 5. Nonetheless, NASA is manner forward of schedule. As of late Monday, three of the 5 sunshield layers have been efficiently tightened, the company mentioned in an replace on Twitter (opens in new tab).
The layers begin coming they usually don’t cease coming…Layers 2 and three at the moment are full! Tensioning for the ultimate two layers of Webb’s 5-layer sunshield is deliberate for tomorrow. Extra: https://t.co/rD9IOD9gX4 #UnfoldTheUniverse pic.twitter.com/BaQKwd2MuOJanuary 4, 2022
2022-01-03T17:17:35.706Z
Webb area telescope in good well being, tensioning starting
NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is in good well being and can start tensioning its enormous sunshield in the present day, its mission staff mentioned in the present day.
In a media teleconference, NASA officers mentioned Webb will start tightening the stress on the first layer of the five-layer sunshield on Webb in the present day after two days of relaxation and energy system optimization.
Two points occurred over the New Yr’s Day vacation weekend.
First, Webb’s photo voltaic arrays weren’t producing as a lot energy as they might attributable to their manufacturing facility settings. At no level was the area telescope in want of energy, however NASA rebalanced the arrays in order that they will now work at their peak effectivity.
Second, the motors used to pressure Webb’s sunshield weren’t staying cool sufficient as flight controllers most popular. They commanded Webb to vary its orientation in area in a manner that can hold its motors cooler in the course of the deployment part.
With each of these fixes in, Webb seems to be doing properly in its deployment.
The tensioning course of for Webb’s sunshield ought to take not less than three days, NASA officers mentioned.
2022-01-03T16:04:20.464Z
NASA to carry press convention on Webb deployment
NASA will maintain a media teleconference at 11:30 a.m. EST (1630 GMT) in the present day, Jan. 3, and you may hearken to it dwell right here, courtesy of NASA TV. You too can watch immediately from NASA right here (opens in new tab).
This teleconference will replace the general public on the James Webb Area Telescope’s deployment after its sunshield was deployed on Dec. 31.
NASA paused deployment actions on Saturday, Jan. 1, to provide its staff a relaxation. The staff then spent Sunday learning Webb’s energy methods earlier than continuing with the ultimate steps for sunshield deployment.
2022-01-03T13:24:23.285Z
James Webb Area Telescope pressure may start in the present day
After a day of delay, NASA James Webb Area Telescope flight controllers are anticipated to start the sunshield tightening course of on the brand new area observatory in the present day, Jan. 3.
The method, which may take not less than two days, was initially slated to start yesterday, however NASA opted to face down and as a substitute examine Webb’s energy methods to verify they have been working correctly after per week in area.
The sunshield tightening course of entails activating a sequence of motors on Webb that can separate, after which tighten, the 5 layers of the area telescope’s gossamer sunshield, which is blocks out daylight from the infrared observatory’s delicate devices so it could higher examine the universe. — Tariq Malik
2022-01-02T19:43:23.153Z
NASA delays Webb sunshield tensioning
NASA flight controllers have delayed in the present day’s deliberate tensioning of the James Webb Area Telescope’s sunshield to be able to work on the observatory’s energy methods.
“This may guarantee Webb is in prime situation to start the following main deployment step in its unfolding course of,” NASA officers wrote in an replace in the present day (opens in new tab) (Jan. 2).
Learn our full story by Senior Author Meghan Bartels.
The sunshield tensioning course of will now start no sooner than Monday, Jan. 3, and is anticipated to take not less than two days. Flight controllers made the choice earlier in the present day to be able to optimize the ability methods on the Webb area telescope.
“Particularly, the staff is analyzing how the ability subsystem is working now that a number of of the key deployments have been accomplished,” NASA wrote within the replace. “Concurrently, the deployments staff is working to verify motors which are key to the tensioning course of are on the optimum temperatures previous to starting that operation.”
Webb’s step-by-step deployment course of is designed in such a manner that it may be stopped and began alongside the way in which as required, in line with NASA officers. The flight management staff desires to make use of some additional time to raised perceive how Webb is behaving in area, and the way it’s differing from simulations based mostly on pc testing on the bottom.
“Nothing we are able to be taught from simulations on the bottom is nearly as good as analyzing the observatory when it’s up and operating,” mentioned Invoice Ochs, NASA’s Webb undertaking supervisor on the Goddard Area Flight Middle in Greenbelt, Maryland, mentioned within the replace. “Now could be the time to take the chance to be taught all the things we are able to about its baseline operations. Then we’ll take the following steps.” — Tariq Malik
2022-01-02T14:04:38.057Z
Webb ratchets up the stress in the present day
This NASA animation reveals the tensioning step for the James Webb Area Telescope’s sunshield to tighten the massive sunshield in place. (Picture credit score: NASA)
It is time to increase the stress on NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope.
After taking New Yr’s Time off on Saturday to relaxation up after an extended Friday evening unfolding Webb’s large sunshield, the mission staff goals to start tensioning the protect’s 5 layers in the present day to lock them in place.
It ought to take not less than two full days to lock Webb’s sunshield in place, which marks the ultimate step in its weeklong deployment course of. The method entails Webb separating the 5 layers of its sunshield, which unfolded in a single group after which tensioning them so they’re tightly secured for the area telescope’s lifetime.
NASA expects to finish the sunshield tightening step on Monday, Jan. 3, and can then maintain a press teleconference to replace the general public on the area telescope’s standing. – Tariq Malik
2022-01-01T18:40:43.482Z
Taking a relaxation day
The staff overseeing the deployment of the James Webb Area Telescope are taking in the present day (Jan. 1) off, in line with a NASA assertion. Yesterday’s process, deploying the 2 booms that assist the width of the observatory’s large sunshield, ran later into the day than personnel had hoped. And the following step is much more daunting: a two-day strategy of separating the 5 delicate layers of the huge sunshield.
That work will start tomorrow (Jan. 2), the assertion famous, and is anticipated to take two days to finish. Learn extra>
2022-01-01T04:42:17.157Z
James Webb unfurls its sunshield!
The James Webb Area Telescope efficiently unfurled its large sunshield on Friday (Dec. 31), notching an enormous milestone in its lengthy and sophisticated deployment marketing campaign. Learn our full story about it right here.
The sunshield, which can assist hold Webb’s optics and devices cool sufficient to detect faint warmth indicators from the early universe, unfolded by way of two “mid-booms,” which have been prolonged over two roughly three-hour stretches on Friday.
The growth extension actions have been delayed barely whereas Webb staff members checked to verify the sunshield’s protecting cowl had absolutely rolled up as wanted. However all the things labored out simply effective.
“Right this moment is an instance of why we proceed to say that we don’t suppose our deployment schedule would possibly change, however that we count on it to vary,” Keith Parrish, Webb observatory supervisor at NASA’s Goddard Area Flight Middle in Greenbelt, Maryland, mentioned in a weblog put up replace Friday evening (opens in new tab).
“The staff did what we had rehearsed for this type of state of affairs — cease, assess and transfer ahead methodically with a plan,” Parrish mentioned. “We nonetheless have an extended solution to go along with this entire deployment course of.”
Subsequent up is tensioning of the sunshield’s 5 layers, which might be full as early as Sunday (Jan. 2). After that, the Webb staff will shift their focus to reflect deployment.
2022-01-01T00:50:32.829Z
Sunshield midway unfurled!
The James Webb Area Telescope has efficiently deployed its sunshield port mid-boom, unfurling half of the massive membranous construction.
“The deployment of the 5 telescoping segments of the mid-boom started round 1:30pm ET and reached full deployment at 4:49 pm,” mission staff members mentioned by way of Twitter in the present day (opens in new tab) (Dec. 31). “Webb’s deployment steps are all human-controlled, so the schedule can change. The staff plans to deploy the starboard mid-boom tonight.”
There was certainly a schedule change in the present day: The mid-boom deployments have been presupposed to occur earlier, however Webb’s handlers took additional time to verify the sunshield’s protecting cowl had absolutely rolled up as deliberate, mission staff members defined in one other tweet (opens in new tab).
Sunshield deployment is without doubt one of the riskiest, most advanced actions the $10 billion observatory will carry out throughout its time in area. So hold your fingers crossed that all the things goes properly tonight and over the weekend, when the staff plans to deliver the deployed protect’s layers as much as the right pressure.
2021-12-31T13:39:24.832Z
James Webb Area Telescope to deploy sunshield booms
This NASA animation reveals one of many mid-booms on the James Webb Area Telescope extending out to tug the observatory’s sunshield to its full width. (Picture credit score: NASA)
It is a huge day for the James Webb Area Telescope.
Right this moment is the day the massive area observatory will deploy the 2 mid-booms on it port and starboard aspect that can prolong its sunshield out to its full width. The port growth might be prolonged first, adopted by the starboard growth. Motors will drive each occasions.
Every mid-boom will deploy with its 5 sunshield membrane layers hooked up. If it goes easily, Webb will spend the following two days tightening the stress of the sunshield so it is not unfastened.
Questioning why it takes so many steps to deploy Webb’s sunshield? Our Senior Author Mike Wall has the total story right here in the present day.
2021-12-30T18:36:35.813Z
Webb deploys flab, removes sunshield covers
NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope removes the covers from its sunshield on this animation of the essential deployment step that occurred in area on Dec. 30, 2021. (Picture credit score: NASA)
NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope efficiently accomplished its two essential deployments for in the present day, the area company introduced.
In back-to-back updates, NASA officers confirmed that the Webb area telescope efficiently deployed its aft momentum flap and retracted the protecting membrane covers on its gossamer sunshield, a serious step within the weeklong work to unfurl the protect.
Learn the total story from Senior Author Chelsea Gohd right here.
The membrane covers protected Webb’s sunshield, which might be as massive as a tennis courtroom when deployed, throughout launch. You’ll be able to see an animation of how the duvet retraction went in area above.
Here is a close-up graphic beneath of the aft momentum flap, which is designed to regular Webb towards the push of photo voltaic wind towards its enormous sunshield. — Tariq Malik
The aft momentum flap of the James Webb Area Telescope (backside left) is seen in its deployed configuration on this NASA graphic. (Picture credit score: NASA)
2021-12-30T14:26:40.073Z
2 deployment steps for Webb telescope in the present day
It has been 5 days since NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope launched into area on the observatory has two steps deliberate for in the present day to proceed its ultra-complicated deployment.
Right this moment, Webb is anticipated to unfold a aft momentum flap, a three-panel construction on the backside rear of the telescope designed to offset a few of the strain from the photo voltaic wind on Webb’s large sunshield. The flap ought to assist Webb preserve gas throughout its mission life because it limits the additional push on the telescope from the photo voltaic wind.
Later, Webb is anticipated to retract the sunshield membrane covers which were defending its skinny sunshield layers since launch. The step would require a sequence of launch units to be activated that can then retract and roll up the membrane covers (two per sunshield pallet, fore and aft) to uncover the sunshield itself.
When deployed, the five-layer sunshield might be concerning the dimension of a tennis courtroom. However there are 50 distinct steps to get it into place.
You’ll be able to discover precisely how Webb is unfolding at NASA’s Deployment Explorer web site right here (opens in new tab). — Tariq Malik
2021-12-29T23:46:39.343Z
JWST extends its Deployable Tower Meeting
An animation of the James Webb Area Telescope extending its Deployable Tower Meeting in area. (Picture credit score: NASA)
The James Webb Area Telescope has efficiently accomplished the deployment of the tower meeting that separates the 2 principal halves of the spacecraft.
The observatory’s Deployable Tower Meeting took a bit over 6.5 hours to increase, creating about 4 toes (1.2 meters) of area between the mirror meeting and the spacecraft’s bus, which homes its electronics and propulsion methods, NASA officers mentioned in a press release (opens in new tab).
“This creates sufficient distance to permit the delicate mirrors and devices to chill all the way down to the required temperatures to detect infrared mild,” NASA mentioned within the assertion. “This hole will even present room for the sunshield membranes to totally unfold.”
Learn the total story right here
Correction: This put up was up to date to right the gap of area created by the tower deployment, it’s 4 toes, not 2 toes.
2021-12-29T15:51:32.707Z
Subsequent up: Deployable Tower Meeting
NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope has begun extending its Deployable Tower Meeting, in line with an company replace (opens in new tab). The method, which started shortly after 9 a.m. EST (1400 GMT), will take not less than six hours and creates area for the observatory’s sunshield to deploy.
2021-12-29T15:27:27.599Z
Excellent news: Webb has loads of gas for years of science
The James Webb Area Telescope fires its thruster within the second of three mid-course maneuvers on this NASA graphic. (Picture credit score: NASA)
In line with a NASA replace, the James Webb Area Telescope could have sufficient gas to greater than double its minimal lifetime due to the precision of its launch and the 2 trajectory corrections the spacecraft has made to this point.
“The Webb staff has analyzed its preliminary trajectory and decided the observatory ought to have sufficient propellant to permit assist of science operations in orbit for considerably greater than a 10-year science lifetime. (The minimal baseline for the mission is 5 years.)” company officers wrote in an replace (opens in new tab) posted Dec. 29.
Nonetheless, NASA emphasised that it isn’t offering a brand new mission timeline for the long-awaited observatory. “Consequently, Webb could have far more than the baseline estimate of propellant — although many components may finally have an effect on Webb’s length of operation,” officers wrote within the assertion. Learn extra>
2021-12-29T00:52:08.282Z
Webb’s sunshield unfolds some extra
An animation of the James Webb Area Telescope deploying the aft pallet of its sunshield. (Picture credit score: NASA)
The James Webb Area Telescope has efficiently accomplished deploying each pallet buildings of its sunshield, notching one other milestone within the five-day-long strategy of unfurling the huge sunshield.
After deploying the ahead pallet earlier in the present day, the aft pallet completed deploying at roughly 7:27 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Dec. 28 (0027 GMT on Dec. 29).
“Whereas the precise movement to decrease the ahead pallet from its stowed to its deployed place took solely 20 minutes, and the decreasing of the aft pallet took solely 18 minutes, the general course of took a number of hours for every due to the handfuls of extra steps required,” NASA officers mentioned in a press release (opens in new tab).
“These embody intently monitoring structural temperatures, maneuvering the observatory with respect to the solar to offer optimum temperatures, turning on heaters to heat key elements, activating launch mechanisms, configuring electronics and software program, and finally latching the pallets into place.”
2021-12-28T19:04:55.351Z
Sunshield deployment has begun!
A NASA graphic reveals the James Webb Area Telescope with its ahead sunshield pallet deployed. (Picture credit score: NASA)
The James Webb Area Telescope has begun deploying its large sunshield, a significant element of the observatory. The spacecraft unfolded its Ahead Unitized Pallet Construction, which helps the sunshield, on Tuesday (Dec. 28). Learn extra>
2021-12-28T16:40:27.157Z
Webb has crossed the moon’s orbit
NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is now farther from Earth than the moon’s orbit, in line with an company replace posted late Monday (Dec. 27). The spacecraft additionally accomplished its second of three trajectory correction burns. Subsequent up, the observatory will start deploying its large sunshield. Learn extra>
2021-12-27T16:15:56.649Z
Webb telescope maneuver deliberate
The James Webb Area Telescope fires its thruster within the second of three mid-course maneuvers on this NASA graphic. (Picture credit score: NASA)
It is day three of NASA’s “29 days on the sting” for the James Webb Area Telescope and in the present day’s principal objective is to carry out the second of three mid-course correction burns to refine Webb’s path to its new dwelling at Lagrange level 2, or L2, practically 1 million miles (1.6 million km) from Earth.
Newest story: James Webb Area Telescope efficiently deploys antenna
Webb carried out its first, and largest, course correction burn on Saturday, Dec. 25, after launching into area. The third burn will happen on day 29 to enter its last orbit across the L2 level.
Here is how NASA describes in the present day’s deliberate burn on its deployment information (opens in new tab):
“This burn fine-tunes Webb’s trajectory after launch. The length of the burn will rely on Ariane 5 launcher efficiency.
“There are three mid-course correction (MCC) maneuvers: MCC-1a, MCC-1b, and MCC-2. That is the second. The primary burn, MCC-1a, is a very powerful and the one different time-critical operation apart from photo voltaic array deployment throughout Webb’s commissioning interval.
“The second, MCC-1b, is a shorter burn carried out earlier than the sunshield deployment is scheduled to begin. The ultimate maneuver, MCC-2, carried out 29 days after launch, is designed to insert Webb into the optimum orbit round L2.
2021-12-26T16:33:25.996Z
Antenna deployment profitable
A day after launch, the James Webb Area Telescope continues to journey away from Earth and set itself up for observations within the months to come back.
Starting on Sunday (Dec. 26) at about 10 a.m. EST (1500 GMT), the spacecraft deployed and examined a key antenna in a course of that took about one hour, in line with a NASA assertion (opens in new tab). The antenna might be liable for twice-daily science knowledge dumps to Earth.
As well as, the spacecraft’s temperature sensors and pressure gauges started work in a single day. The following stage within the telescope’s deployment, in line with NASA (opens in new tab), might be a second course-correction burn scheduled to happen about two days after launch.
2021-12-26T02:07:48.103Z
Essential burn full, NASA says
The James Webb Area Telescope efficiently executed a significant burn to right its trajectory, in line with a NASA assertion (opens in new tab). The burn started at 7:50 p.m. EST (0050 GMT) and lasted for 65 minutes, in line with the company. The maneuver additionally marked the final step of the mission’s deployment that wanted to be executed at a particular time; to any extent further, mission personnel can adapt the deployment timeline as wanted. Learn extra>
2021-12-26T00:53:20.330Z
Presidential congratulations
Congratulations @NASA and all who made in the present day’s launch of the James Webb telescope attainable. Webb is a shining instance of the ability of what we are able to accomplish once we dream huge. We have at all times identified that this undertaking can be a dangerous endeavor, however with huge threat comes huge rewards.December 25, 2021
President Joe Biden provided his congratulations on the profitable launch of the James Webb Area Telescope the night of its flawless launch. “Congratulations @NASA and all who made in the present day’s launch of the James Webb telescope attainable,” Biden wrote in a tweet (opens in new tab). “Webb is a shining instance of the ability of what we are able to accomplish once we dream huge. We have at all times identified that this undertaking can be a dangerous endeavor, however with huge threat comes huge rewards.”
2021-12-25T19:26:17.226Z
The place is NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope?
It has been simply over 7 hours since NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope launched into area and the area telescope is at the moment greater than 67,800 miles (109,110 kilometers) away and climbing because it makes its manner towards its vacation spot: Lagrange Level 2.
Full story: NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope launches on epic mission to check early universe
Extra: ‘It is really Christmas’: James Webb Area Telescope’s yuletide launch has NASA overjoyed
In photographs: The Christmas launch of NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope
You’ll be able to observe the Webb area telescope with NASA’s The place is Webb web site (opens in new tab) on-line, which makes use of real-time telemetry from the spacecraft to current a exact image of the place the area telescope is and at what stage its deployment is in.
It is going to take about 29 days for Webb to succeed in L2 practically 1 million miles (1.6 million km) from Earth, and about six months earlier than will probably be prepared to start snapping photographs of the universe.
The following milestone for Webb might be a mid-course correction burn, a maneuver in deep area to fine-tune the area telescope on its path to L2.
2021-12-25T15:56:27.577Z
‘It is really Christmas!’ NASA on JWST launch
NASA chief Invoice Nelson referred to as in the present day’s profitable launch of the James Webb Area Telescope a “good day for Earth” as NASA and its companions have a good time the profitable starting of a $10 billion mission.
Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA’s affiliate administrator for science missions, mentioned it is a Christmas to recollect.
“What am wonderful day,” Zurbuchen mentioned. “It is really Christmas with all of the presents and all the things and we’ve got an area mission.”
2021-12-25T13:34:27.314Z
Put up-launch press convention for JWST
With NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope efficiently launched, the area company and its companions will maintain a press convention quickly to have a good time the profitable liftoff.
The press convention is anticipated to start by 9 a.m. EST (1400 GMT) and will embody the heads of businesses who constructed James Webb, in addition to main mission scientists.
You’ll be able to watch it dwell within the window above. In the meantime, this is a glance again at in the present day’s profitable launch.
2021-12-25T13:13:24.068Z
James Webb Area Telescope launch successful
NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is efficiently in area and starting its monthlong trek to its L2 dwelling about 1 million miles from Earth.
Full story: NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope launches on epic mission to check early universe
“It is an excellent day for planet Earth,” NASA Administrator Invoice Nelson mentioned after the launch. “We’re going to uncover unbelievable issues that we by no means imagined.”
The accolades are pouring in from the area businesses who labored collectively to place the area telescope along with a sequence of interviews on NASA TV.
2021-12-25T12:58:13.626Z
Spacecraft separation and photo voltaic array deploy
(Picture credit score: NASA TV)
NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope has efficiently separated from its Ariane 5 rocket and deployed its photo voltaic array to mark a flawless journey into area after in the present day’s launch.
A camera on Webb’s Ariane 5 rocket higher stage beamed dwell views of the occasion, with photo voltaic array deployment occurring a bit early.
‘Go, Webb, go!” rang cheers from Arianespace launch management on the Guiana Area Middle in French Guiana.
(Picture credit score: NASA TV)
2021-12-25T12:46:20.456Z
2nd stage shutdown
2nd stage shutdown: The Ariane 5 higher stage engine carrying NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope has shut down as deliberate.
2021-12-25T12:40:38.871Z
James Webb Area Telescope on observe throughout ascent
The Ariane 5 rocket carrying NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope continues its 2nd stage burn to hold the telescope into area.
“Very quiet now within the room,” NASA spokesperson Rob Navias says of launch management. Officers with NASA, Arianespace and their companions are watching telemetry rigorously, he says.
To date, all methods are working as anticipated.
“Right this moment’s countdown was as flawless as you’ll be able to think about,” Navias mentioned. “All the things fell collectively on this Christmas Day to ship a brand new current to the world’s astronomers.”
4 minutes of powered flight stay.
2021-12-25T12:30:53.431Z
Higher Stage separation and ignition
Stage Separation: The Ariane 5 rocket carrying NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope has jettisoned its principal stage and ignited its higher stage to proceed powering the James Webb Area Telescope into orbit.
2021-12-25T12:29:01.812Z
View of James Webb Area Telescope on Ariane 5
This view reveals the James Webb Area Telescope folded up on its Ariane 5 rocket because it launched into area on Dec. 25, 2021. (Picture credit score: NASA TV)
A camera aboard in the present day’s Ariane 5 rocket launch has captured a view of the James Webb Area Telescope folded up for launch.
You’ll be able to see that picture above right here.
Webb continues its ascent on its Ariane 5.
2021-12-25T12:24:30.884Z
Stage separation for Ariane 5, Fairing separation
Stage separation: The two strap on boosters for the Ariane 5 rocket carrying the James Webb Area Telescope have separated as deliberate.
The rocket has additionally jettisoned its payload fairing.
“All parameters regular,” Arianespace studies.
2021-12-25T12:22:20.732Z
Liftoff for the James Webb Area Telescope!
An Ariane 5 rocket carrying NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope launches into the sky from Guiana Area Middle in Kourou, French Guiana on Dec. 25, 2021. (Picture credit score: NASA TV)
LIFTOFF! NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope launches on a mission to hunt out the earliest mild of the universe
2021-12-25T12:18:05.478Z
James Webb Area Telescope in last countdown
The Ariane 5 rocket carrying NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is now in its last automated launch countdown sequence.
A last launch climate test reveals good circumstances for launch, Arianespace studies.
Lower than 3 minutes stay till launch.
2021-12-25T12:15:54.534Z
JWST launching 53 years after Apollo 8 Christmas broadcast
NASA spokesperson Rob Navias took a second in in the present day’s James Webb Area Telescope launch broadcast to remind viewers Webb is launching on Christmas Day, 53 years after NASA’s Apollo 8 crew beamed a Christmas Eve message to Earth from the moon. In that Christmas broadcast in 1968, the Apollo 8 astronauts learn from the Bible’s E book of Genesis to mark the vacation.
“Right this moment, greater than a half century later. we’re simply minutes away from one other Genesis, the genesis of a brand new period of discovery,” Navias mentioned. “The launch of the James Webb Area Telescope is at hand.”
2021-12-25T12:11:19.204Z
James Webb Area Telescope on inside energy
NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is on inside battery energy for in the present day’s launch, a serious milestone head of launch. NASA spokesperson Rob Navias says the observatory will stay on inside battery energy till its photo voltaic arrays deploy about Half-hour after liftoff.
It is a cloudy day in Kourou for in the present day’s launch, however Navias says all methods are nonetheless inexperienced.
“Do not let these clouds idiot you, we’re go for launch,” Navias mentioned.
2021-12-25T11:53:45.421Z
T-Half-hour to James Webb Area Telescope launch
The Ariane 5 rocket carrying NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope stands atop Launch Pad 3 on the Guiana Area Middle in Kourou, French Guiana for launch on Dec. 25, 2021. (Picture credit score: NASA TV)
The James Webb Area Telescope is lower than Half-hour from launch for in the present day’s Ariane 5 liftoff.
NASA spokesperson James Webb Area Telescope Rob Navias on the launch website studies all methods are inexperienced for launch to date, with liftoff on observe for a 7:20 a.m. EST (1220 GMT) ignition.
2021-12-25T11:05:46.060Z
Fueling full for James Webb Area Telescope
Fueling is now full! 👍Our #Ariane5 is sitting tight @EuropeSpacePort with its passenger: @NASAWebb/@ESA_Webb!#VA256 #WebbFliesAriane pic.twitter.com/LPs5y7xg0NDecember 25, 2021
Arianespace studies the fueling course of for the Ariane 5 rocket is now full for in the present day’s launch of the James Webb Area Telescope.
2021-12-25T11:02:59.003Z
NASA launch webcast dwell for JWST launch
Merry Christmas, area followers, it is launch day for NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope.
After months of delays, the brand new Nice Observatory is able to launch at 7:20 a.m. EST (1220 GMT) atop an Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket from the Guiana Area Middle in Kourou, French Guiana. NASA’s dwell launch webcast has begun for this Christmas launch, a uncommon occasion for NASA.
NASA is kicking off its webcast with its epic trailer for the James Webb Area Telescope mission, which makes use of the phrases of famed astronomer Carl Sagan.
2021-12-25T08:21:26.161Z
‘Go’ for fueling
The Ariane 5 rocket that can launch the James Webb Area Telescope will start fueling up for liftoff quickly, in line with the transient replace simply aired on NASA TV.
“Throughout the final hour mission controllers … obtained a complete climate briefing and we have been instructed circumstances have been ‘go’ for the beginning of the loading of 175 tons of propellant into the core or first stage of the Ariane 5 rocket,” a NASA spokesperson mentioned within the replace on NASA TV.
“150 tons of liquid oxygen and 25 tons of liquid hydrogen will quickly be flowing into the primary stage tanks of the Ariane 5. This course of will take about two hours to finish. About an hour from now some 15 tons of propellant might be loaded into the second stage, or higher stage, of the Ariane 5 — one other two-hour course of, which must be full round one hour and 22 minutes earlier than launch.”
Go for fueling! 😊Prepare for our Flight #VA256 with @NASAWebb/@ESA_Webb on board #Ariane5!#VA256 #WebbFliesAriane pic.twitter.com/LxZ5ASoszqDecember 25, 2021
2021-12-25T08:01:01.196Z
NASA to offer Webb telescope replace
NASA officers are about to provide a standing replace on the launch of the James Webb Area Telescope. You’ll be able to watch it dwell within the window above, courtesy of NASA TV, or immediately by way of YouTube (opens in new tab).
2021-12-24T16:52:19.361Z
Simply sooner or later left
The Ariane 5 rocket carrying the James Webb Area Telescope as seen on the launch pad in Kourou, French Guiana, the night of Dec. 24, 2021. (Picture credit score: NASA/Invoice Ingalls)
The James Webb Area Telescope remains to be on observe for a Christmas Day launch, after spending the evening of Dec. 23 on the launch pad in Kourou, French Guiana. Arianespace, which constructed the Ariane 5 rocket carrying the observatory, has confirmed that the climate forecast seems promising for the Saturday launch try. “Newest climate forecast simply arrived and we’re nonetheless good to go for tomorrow!” the European launch supplier wrote in a press release posted to Twitter (opens in new tab).
2021-12-23T22:03:13.019Z
Webb is on the launch pad!
The Ariane 5 rocket carrying NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope rolled out to the launch pad on Dec. 23, 2021. (Picture credit score: NASA/Invoice Ingalls)
The Ariane 5 rocket carrying the James Webb Area Telescope made the two-hour trek out to the launch pad at Kourou, French Guiana, on Thursday (Dec. 23). See extra photographs
2021-12-23T12:55:28.299Z
Roll-out is coming!
Let the roll-out to the launch pad start for @ariane5 and #Webb! 🚀The doorways of the meeting constructing have opened @EuropeSpacePort #WebbFliesAriane #JWST #VA256 📸 ESA – S. Corvaja pic.twitter.com/iMfgce4yLiDecember 23, 2021
The James Webb Area Telescope and its Ariane 5 rocket will start the sluggish march to the launch pad at Kourou, French Guiana, prematurely of the mission’s Saturday morning launch at about 10 a.m. EST (1500 GMT) on Dec. 23.
2021-12-22T21:05:12.728Z
Christmas Day launch nonetheless on observe for JWST
The goal launch date for the @NASAWebb/@ESA_Webb is confirmed on December 25, as early as attainable throughout the following launch window: pic.twitter.com/aGB1ABzML5December 22, 2021
Arianespace, the European firm liable for launching the James Webb Area Telescope, confirmed in a tweet (opens in new tab) on Wednesday (Dec. 22) afternoon that they have been nonetheless focusing on Christmas Day (Saturday, Dec. 25) for the launch of the huge observatory.
The rocket, an Ariane 5, will roll out to the launch pad at Kourou, French Guiana, on Thursday morning (Dec. 23), the corporate famous.
2021-12-21T21:55:54.257Z
Excessive winds delay launch to Christmas
Nonetheless, attributable to antagonistic climate circumstances at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, the flight #VA256 to launch the James Webb Area Telescope –initially scheduled for December 24– is being postponed.December 21, 2021
Arianespace has introduced (opens in new tab) that attributable to upper-level winds, it won’t try and launch the James Webb Area Telescope on Friday (Dec. 24). The following launch alternative might be Saturday (Dec. 25) starting at 7:20 a.m. EST (1220 GMT).
2021-12-21T17:46:47.705Z
NASA Webb Area Telescope prelaunch briefing
With the clocking steadily ticking towards a Christmas Eve launch for the James Webb Area Telescope, NASA and its companions will maintain a prelaunch teleconference for the mission in the present day, Dec. 21, at 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT) and you may watch it dwell.
The webcast might be broadcast on NASA Reside (opens in new tab) and simulcast within the audio participant on the high of this web page.
Talking throughout in the present day’s prelaunch press convention might be:
- NASA Administrator Invoice Nelson
- NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy
- Thomas Zurbuchen, affiliate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington
- Greg Robinson, Webb program director, NASA Headquarters
- Jérôme Rives, vp, Ariane 5 Enterprise Unit, Arianespace, Paris, France
- Amber Straughn, Webb deputy undertaking scientist for communications, NASA’s Goddard Area Flight Middle in Greenbelt, Maryland
2021-12-21T15:06:27.591Z
Three days till launch!
With three days to go earlier than the James Webb Area Telescope launches, NASA has launched a mission trailer paired with archival audio of the enduring astronomer Carl Sagan. “If we crave some cosmic function, then allow us to discover ourselves a worthy objective,” Sagan mentioned. Watch the total trailer above.
And be taught concerning the unbelievable engineering behind probably the most advanced area observatory ever constructed with a deep dive into the telescope that “shouldn’t be allowed to fail” on this new characteristic story.
2021-12-20T16:13:45.209Z
What’s going to the James Webb Area Telescope inform us about darkish matter?
Observations of the diffuse galaxy AGC 114905 counsel the galaxy has no darkish matter. The discovering defies theories. (Picture credit score: Javier Román & Pavel Mancera Piña)
The world’s strongest area telescope is about to launch, and scientists suppose it may reveal unbelievable new details about darkish matter.
The James Webb Area Telescope is ready to launch on Dec. 24. from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. By observing primarily in infrared, the huge telescope will be capable to peer again farther than ever into the cosmos, revealing new details about our early universe. Nonetheless, moreover, scientists suppose that the scope may make the most of the phenomenon often known as gravitational lensing, from Einstein’s basic principle of relativity, to not directly “observe” proof of darkish matter.
2021-12-19T14:07:23.183Z
It is Launch Week for James Webb Area Telescope
(Picture credit score: ESA)
It is launch week for NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope and because the days depend all the way down to its Christmas Eve launch on Dec. 24, we’re having a look on the science promised by the massive new area observatory.
Right this moment’s characteristic: James Webb Area Telescope vs. Hubble: How will their photographs examine?
Area.com senior author Chelsea Gohd takes a take a look at the elemental variations between the enduring Hubble Area Telescope, which may seize photographs in seen mild, and the James Webb Area Telescope, which is solely an infrared observatory, however one so delicate it is designed to look again nearer to the start of the universe than ever earlier than.
2021-12-18T14:22:25.262Z
Dec. 24 launch date confirmed for Webb area telescope
NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is seen throughout payload fairing encapsulation forward of its set up atop its Ariane 5 rocket for a Dec. 24, 2021 launch from the Guiana Area Middle in Kourou, French Guiana. (Picture credit score: ESA-M.Pedoussaut)
NASA and its companions formally confirmed Dec. 24 because the launch goal for the brand new James Webb Area Telescope. Liftoff is ready for 7:20 a.m. EST (1220 GMT) from the Guiana Area Middle in Kourou, French Guiana.
Learn our full story on the confirmed launch date right here.
NASA confirmed the launch goal in the present day in a weblog put up, stating that the Webb area telescope is packed inside its nosecone and hooked up to its Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket.
“The James Webb Area Telescope is confirmed for the goal launch date of Dec. 24, at 7:20 a.m. EST,” NASA wrote (opens in new tab). “Late yesterday, groups on the launch website efficiently accomplished encapsulation of the observatory contained in the Ariane 5 rocket that can launch it to area. Webb’s launch last readiness review might be held on Tuesday Dec. 21 and, if profitable, roll-out is deliberate for Wednesday, Dec. 22.”
2021-12-18T00:20:29.357Z
Launch date affirmation coming Saturday
The James Webb Area Telescope remains to be tentatively scheduled to launch on Dec. 24, however the launch date will not be formally confirmed till tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 18), in line with Arianespace CEO Stéphane Israël.
“Last encapsulation operations ongoing,” Israël tweeted (opens in new tab) late Friday. “Goal launch date is December 24 at 12:20 am UTC. Affirmation Saturday.”
Last encapsulation operations ongoing. Want a couple of extra hours to finish them. Goal launch date is December 24 at 12:20 am UTC. Affirmation Saturday. Go @NASAWebb/@ESA_Webb! Go #Ariane5! Go! 🎅🚀#WebbFliesAriane #VA256 pic.twitter.com/15wvWpaD3RDecember 17, 2021
2021-12-17T14:48:49.804Z
NASA, ESA discussing Webb area telescope launch date
NASA and the European Area Company are discussing their choices in the present day (Dec. 17) on when to launch the multibillion-dollar James Webb Area Telescope.
Earlier this week, the 2 businesses and their companions delayed the Webb telescope’s Dec. 22 launch after an information cable difficulty prevented communications between the observatory and gear with its Ariane 5 rocket. The launch is at the moment focused for no sooner than Dec. 24, however that launch date may change.
NASA and ESA have each mentioned they may announce a firmer launch date by then finish of the day in the present day, Dec. 17. The defective knowledge cable on Webb was mounted yesterday afternoon and engineers have been anticipated to carry out last checks earlier than making a call on whether or not to shut up the area telescope inside its clamshell-like payload fairing.
The Webb area telescope is NASA’s subsequent “Nice Observatory” and set to launch on an Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket from Guiana Area Middle in Kourou, French Guiana.
The mission has been delayed a number of instances in current months, from an October launch goal to late December attributable to launch preparation points.
2021-12-16T22:48:37.033Z
Knowledge cable mounted on James Webb Area Telescope
Simply in from the Webb launch website: The staff has mounted the connection difficulty and @NASAWebb is within the midst of its last scheduled aliveness take a look at earlier than launch. We’ll present an extra replace on the standing of encapsulation and the launch date tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/ehFVzfeeCIDecember 16, 2021
Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA’s affiliate administrator for science missions, introduced on Twitter in the present day that the launch staff for the company’s James Webb Area Telescope has mounted the info cable connection difficulty that has delayed the area observatory’s launch. A brand new launch date might be introduced on Friday, Dec. 18.
“Simply in from the Webb launch website: The staff has mounted the connection difficulty and @NASAWebb is within the midst of its last scheduled aliveness take a look at earlier than launch,” Zurbuchen wrote on Twitter. “We’ll present an extra replace on the standing of encapsulation and the launch date tomorrow.”
The Webb Area Telescope is at the moment focused to launch no sooner than Dec. 24, two days later than deliberate as a result of knowledge cable difficulty.
2021-12-16T19:09:00.168Z
Defective cable induced JWST launch delay
A defective communications cable is liable for the James Webb Area Telescope’s newest delay, in line with the European Area Company.
In a press convention in the present day (Dec. 16), ESA officers mentioned a defective knowledge designed to ship knowledge from the Webb area telescope and its rocket and launch pad gear was not working correctly.
“It is an interface difficulty within the electrical community connecting the observatory and the bottom assist gear,” Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA director of area transportation, mentioned within the briefing. “It is a cable situated within the launch desk, which is experiencing some intermittent losses of knowledge.”
Learn our full story right here.
2021-12-16T17:28:39.961Z
JWST packed for flight
(Picture credit score: ESA-M.Pedoussaut)
On Saturday, Dec. 11, Arianespace packed NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope for launch, putting in the area telescope atop its Ariane 5 rocket for a deliberate launch from the Guiana Area Middle in Kourou, French Guiana.
The precise launch date for the Webb area telescope remains to be unsure, as NASA and Arianespace have delayed its launch (initially set for Dec. 22) to no sooner than Dec. 24. An replace on launch plans for Webb is anticipated by Friday, Dec. 17, in line with NASA.
NASA and Arianespace initially aimed to launch the Webb area telescope on Oct. 31 and have delayed it repeatedly attributable to integration and different points. Watch this area for updates on a brand new agency launch date for the James Webb Area Telescope.
2021-12-15T01:04:36.927Z
JWST launch delayed to Dec. 24
(Picture credit score: M.Pedoussaut/ESA)
The James Webb Area Telescope is now scheduled to launch no sooner than Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), NASA introduced in the present day.
“The James Webb Area Telescope staff is working a communication difficulty between the observatory and the launch automobile system,” NASA officers mentioned in a press release (opens in new tab). “This may delay the launch date to no sooner than Friday, Dec. 24. We are going to present extra details about the brand new launch date no later than Friday, Dec. 17.”
Learn the total story (opens in new tab)
2021-12-09T02:16:43.287Z
James Webb Area Telescope able to launch
After years of growth and billions of {dollars}, NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is almost able to launch.
Observe JWST’s final days on Earth and its future as a brand new Nice Observatory for NASA, the European Area Company, Canadian Area Company and the world in our dwell protection right here.
