NASA released the first scientific images taken by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
The first image released shows galaxies estimated to be more than 13 billion years old, while the estimated age of the universe is 13.8 billion years. In other words, the image shows events that occurred during the first billion years after the formation of the universe. According to Prof. Ehud Behar, Webb's observations "will allow us to study the formation of the first galaxies in the early universe. After all the years invested, all the things that were moved aside to develop JWST - it must succeed".
Four more images released during NASA's press conference show nebulae and galaxies as well as an important finding that indicates the existence of water vapor in the atmosphere of the planet WASP-96b, which is about a thousand light-years away from us.
You can view the new JWST images and compare them to previously taken images by the Hubble Space Telescope at the following site: https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/jwst-first-images-universe .
Notice the amazing improvement in resolution and details!
"The observations published illustrate how the telescope will allow us in the coming years to study the oldest history of the first stars and galaxies that wound up in the skies of the early universe," Ehud explained to Haaretz, "they will help shed light on how stars are born and how they die.“
To read the Haaretz article visit:
https://www.haaretz.co.il/science/2022-07-12/ty-article/.premium/00000181-edbb-daef-a79b-ffbf6fc70000?fbclid=IwAR3KwLkNI9cxX-qpzMIvcarqqCx60r3hOJ91OguYxvm2S6srqo-azI_KYPQ
Dr Eliad Peretz, Technology Program Manager and Lead Researcher for new space missions NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Technion alumni and NASA's Exceptional Acheivement Medal recipient 2022, told "mako" “these images present a huge amount of information that will lead to a breakthrough in space exploration. “
Visit NASA's website for more information and to view the JWST press conference: https://www.nasa.gov/webbfirstimages