5 Stunning Images of the Space Captured by the James Webb Telescope
The James Webb Space Telescope has been operational for a little over a year, but in that short time, it has captured some truly incredible images of the universe. Here are 5 of the top contenders:
Cosmic Cliffs in Carina NebulaThis breathtaking image peers into a star-forming region called the Carina Nebula. The colourful cliffs are giant clouds of gas and dust where new stars are being born. The bright foreground stars are actually much farther away than the nebula.
Stephan's QuintetThis image shows a group of five galaxies locked in a cosmic dance. The galaxies are distorting and pulling on each other due to their gravitational interaction. This image reveals details of the gas, dust, and young stars being formed in this chaotic environment.
WASP-96 b AtmosphereThis image isn't a direct picture, but rather a spectrum of light from a distant exoplanet called WASP-96 b. By analysing the spectrum, scientists can identify the chemicals present in the planet's atmosphere, revealing clues about its composition and habitability.
Jupiter's AurorasThis image of Jupiter showcases the gas giant's swirling atmosphere, auroras at its poles, and even its faint rings. The infrared light has been translated into visible colours to highlight the different features.
Southern Ring NebulaThis image of a planetary nebula, the expanding shell of gas and dust ejected by a dying star, showcases the power of Webb's infrared vision. The image reveals never-before-seen details in the nebula's structure, including the intricate knots and filaments of gas.