The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) released on July 12 unparalleled images captured by the James Webb Telescope to preview its capabilities.
The $10 billion telescope has been under development for three decades. Its infrared lens allow scientists to see the universe from a new perspective.
Webb will preview the universe as far as 13.5 billion years ago, around 300 million years after the Big Bang. However, NASA said it could possibly see as far as 100 million years after the expansion.
The first batch consisted of five images of the Carina Nebula, Stephan’s Quintet, Southern Ring Nebula, Deep Field, and the atmospheric composition of exoplanet WASp-96.
Upon release, the images went viral on social and mass media and were also displayed at global landmarks like Times Square in New York and Piccadilly Circus in London.
The mission, launched on December 25, 2021, is a joint project between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
Reporting and video production by Nour Eltigani.
