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Webb telescope, its super view opens up new scenarios

2022-05-10T10:38:45.892Z


The James Webb space telescope beats even the old Spitzer telescope for sharpness and definition: the images of the Large Magellanic Cloud in comparison (ANSA)


It shows unprecedented clarity and definition, the image of the stars and gases of the Large Magellanic Cloud captured as a test by the Miri instrument of the new James Webb space telescope: nothing to do with the more hazy and confused image taken by his NASA's now retired Spitzer predecessor.

The comparison, like an eye exam done with and without glasses, is published by NASA, which conducts the mission together with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian one (CSA).



The images highlight the incredible technological leap that has been made over a period of twenty years, from the time of Spitzer (the first telescope to provide high-resolution images of the universe in the near and mid-infrared) to the present day with Webb .

His Miri instrument (which works at over 260 degrees below zero) shows the interstellar gas in unprecedented detail, even the emission from carbon and hydrogen molecules that play an important role in the heat balance and chemistry of the gas.

When Webb is ready to begin scientific observations, images like these will help find new clues to the birth of stars and protoplanetary systems.



To get to that moment as soon as possible, Webb's technicians have already completed the alignment of the telescope and are starting the process of setting up and testing the instruments: the operations should take about two months, in order to begin scientific observations this summer.

Source: ansa

All tech articles on 2022-05-10

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