NASA's Curious Universe
Exploring the Early Universe with Webb
Dec 12, 2023
NASA scientists Jane Rigby, Taylor Hutchison, and Gerónimo Villanueva discuss their use of the James Webb Space Telescope to peer back to the earliest stages of the universe and examine stunning plumes of water in our own solar system. They explore the telescope's design, its successful commissioning, and the new scientific discoveries it has made possible. They also delve into the mysteries of black holes and galaxies in the early universe and the potential for finding signs of life on celestial bodies like Enceladus.
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Quick takeaways
- The James Webb Space Telescope is capturing stunning images of distant galaxies, showcasing its capabilities after years of planning and construction.
- Webb's data on supermassive black holes challenges existing theories and prompts scientists to explore new explanations for the early evolution of galaxies and their central black holes.
Deep dives
Webb Telescope Captures Beautiful Image of a Galaxy Cluster
The James Webb Space Telescope has captured a stunning image of a galaxy cluster called A-Bell 2744. This image shows hundreds of white to yellow galaxies in a city-like formation. The cluster, located billions of light years away, acts like a pair of eyeglasses, magnifying and distorting the light from galaxies even further behind it. The image not only showcases the beauty of the universe but also demonstrates the capabilities of the Webb Telescope after years of planning and construction.
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