Icy Moons, Galaxy Clusters, and Distant Worlds Amongst Chosen Targets for James Webb Space Telescope

Mission officers for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope introduced a few of the science targets the telescope will observe following its launch and commissioning. These particular observations are a part of a program of Guaranteed Time Observations (GTO), which gives devoted time to the scientists that helped design and construct the telescope’s 4 devices.

“From the very first galaxies after the Big Bang, to searching for chemical fingerprints of life on Enceladus, Europa, and exoplanets like TRAPPIST-1e, Webb will be looking at some incredible things in our universe,” stated Eric Smith, James Webb Space Telescope Director at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “With over 2100 initial observations planned, there is no limit to what we might discover with this incredible telescope.”

The broad spectrum of preliminary GTO observations will deal with the entire science areas Webb is designed to discover, from first mild and the meeting of galaxies to the delivery of stars and planets. Targets will vary from the photo voltaic system’s outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) and icy Kuiper Belt to exoplanets to distant galaxies within the younger universe.

“The definition of observations to be conducted by the Webb Guaranteed Time Observers is a major milestone along the timeline for producing revolutionary science with this incredibly powerful observatory. These observations by the teams of people who designed and built the Webb instruments will yield not only amazing science, but will be crucial in putting the observatory through its paces and understanding its many capabilities,” stated Dr. Ken Sembach, director of the Space Telescope Science Institute, which can lead science and mission operations for Webb.

“I am very pleased that we’re at this point since it is now possible for the broader science community to begin selecting targets and designing observations for the Early Release Science program and the Cycle 1 call for proposals, which will be issued this fall,” he added.

Observing time on Webb is scheduled in a sequence of cycles. Cycle 1 will embody about 8,700 hours, or practically a yr.  For their devoted work on the challenge, the Guaranteed Time Observers had been awarded 10 % of the full JWST observing time within the prime mission.  To maximize the general JWST scientific return, the GTO tasks can be scheduled earlier within the mission, and are anticipated to be accomplished throughout the first two years of telescope operations.

The observations introduced in the present day will assist the broader scientific neighborhood plan their proposals for observations to be made throughout Cycle 1. A name for proposals for normal Cycle 1 observations can be issued later this yr.

Webb is designed to enhance and lengthen the scientific capabilities of different NASA missions such because the Hubble Space Telescope. It would be the strongest area telescope ever constructed. Webb is a world challenge led by NASA with its companions, ESA (European Spa