NASA Webb Telescope Releases First Image Image/NASA
NASA on Wednesday released the first image from the Webb Space Telescope after sharpening its focus, as the agency plans to commence examining the farthest galaxies in the universe. The image shows the brilliant, fiery orange star 2MASS J17554042+6551277:
“Following the completion of critical mirror alignment steps, NASA’s Webb Space Telescope team expects that Webb’s optical performance will be able to meet or exceed the science goals the observatory was built to achieve.”
There are still months to go before Webb has a real look at the vast expanse of the universe, “achieving this milestone means the team is confident that Webb’s first-of-its-kind optical system is working as well as possible.”
The Webb Telescope is the first space telescope to use segmented primary mirrors design:
“More than 20 years ago, the Webb team set out to build the most powerful telescope that anyone has ever put in space and came up with an audacious optical design to meet demanding science goals,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. ‘Today we can say that design is going to deliver.'”
