Stunning Selections: Top Picks from the James Webb Space Telescope’s Breathtaking Gallery

The James Webb Space Telescope, positioned a million miles away, enables scientists to explore our universe in ways previously deemed impossible — along with producing breathtaking images in the process.

The telescope is managed from an unassuming concrete structure at the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore.

The staff at the Space Telescope Science Institute arguably have the most familiarity with Webb — hence we sought their favorite JWST images or discoveries from the past year. Some responses have been adjusted for clarity and conciseness.

Webb Deputy News Chief Hannah Braun: Serpens Nebula

Why it’s her favorite: The Serpens Nebula is exceptionally captivating and embodies all the qualities that individuals have come to associate with a classic Webb image — luminous stars with diffraction spikes, protostellar outflows from nascent stars, and majestic clouds of gas and dust.

Nevertheless, what fascinates me the most here is the narrative behind it. The picture itself is not the primary aim of the research program — the team is primarily focused on deciphering the chemical composition of the cloud, and required the image to pinpoint precisely where to aim for collecting spectroscopic data. Fortunately, that image serendipitously turned out to be perfect for a stunning capture! (Editor’s note: The Serpens Nebula is illustrated in the top image of this article.)

Mission Head Tom Brown: Sombrero Galaxy

Why it’s his favorite: I have been involved with both the Hubble and Webb telescopes in various capacities since completing my graduate studies. There are many stunning images that showcase how Hubble and Webb provide complementary perspectives of our universe, but the novel Webb perspective of this iconic Hubble image stands out, particularly as it aligns with my research interests.

Project Scientist Macarena Garcia Marin: Beta Pictoris

Why it’s her favorite: With Webb, I am always eager to discover the unforeseen and the wonders the universe has in store. This image highlights the telescope’s exceptional capabilities, which empower astronomers to analyze well-researched objects, like this nearby youthful planetary system, and unveil features that have never been observed before, enhancing our comprehension of their essence.

Project Scientist, Science Communications, Quyen Hart: Penguin and the Egg

Why it’s her favorite: The Penguin and the Egg ranks among my favorite visuals from 2024 due to the intricate, grand-scale details shaped by gravitational forces. Additionally, this image was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the initiation of scientific operations for the Webb Space Telescope. The commemoration consistently reminds us of the numerous groundbreaking astronomical revelations achieved with this remarkable infrared telescope.

Principal Science Visuals Developer Joseph DePasquale: Crab Nebula

Why it’s his favorite: I have always regarded the Crab Nebula as an intriguing and mysterious entity dating back to my previous work at various observatories. This image posed a new and captivating challenge. I collaborated closely with the scientific team to enhance the images received from Webb by concentrating on the light emitted by sulfur and warm dust. We then employed color to highlight these findings, emphasizing the interactions between the highly energetic central pulsar and its influence on the surrounding environment.

Science Visuals Developer Alyssa Pagan: NGC 602

Why it’s her favorite: Star-forming regions look captivating and exotic in the infrared. NGC 604, in particular, showcases a stunning array of formations such as large cavities carved by bright, newly-formed stars, surrounded by tendrils of dust. The image is not only visually appealing but also provides insight into how young stars develop and influence the surrounding nebula.

New Chief Christine Pulliam: Question Mark Galaxy

Why it’s her favorite: One of the most astonishing aspects of the universe is how space itself can warp and alter the light from objects billions of light-years away. Here, a single galaxy had its light fragmented so that it appears multiple times, twisted to create the shape of a giant question mark in space. I interpret this as symbolizing one of the best things about science — every answer evokes intriguing new questions.

Banner Reporter and Webb Enthusiast Cody Boteler: ‘Blood-Soaked’ Eyes

Why it’s my favorite: I admire nearly every visual from Webb — it’s a highlight of my week whenever a press release featuring new images from the Space Telescope Science Institute lands in my inbox. This image depicts two galaxies passing closely by each other without actually colliding.

Furthermore — it possesses a somewhat eerie appearance, and the images were released on Halloween. Whenever scientific communications embrace the playful aspects of phenomena like this, I’m even more enthusiastic about it.