With the recent release of the James Webb space telescope's magnificent first images,
we got a glimpse at what the $10 billion observatory is capable of.
But although these initial images are spectacular in so many ways, they only
represent the tip of the iceberg. Because we still have so much more to look forward to.
Webb has possibly more than 10 years of deep-space observations left,
according to NASA. In the coming weeks, months and years, we will see all kinds of cosmic phenomena,
like distant planets, young stars, enormous galaxies and chaotic black holes. So, now
that we have an idea of what we can expect from Webb, you might be wondering: What comes next?
Well, from what I can find, the ambitious telescope has a packed schedule of science
programs ahead. Although, the results of these programs won't be released until they have been
peer-reviewed. Meaning the science community has assessed the results first.
The one thing we can look forward to, however, is many more mind-blowing images. According to NASA,
Webb has already captured more images beyond the ones we have seen so far
that further showcase its capabilities. They just haven't been released yet,
but NASA confirms that they will be rolling them out in the coming weeks.
The latest to be released is this magnificent view of the Cartwheel Galaxy. Which, at around
500 million light-years away, is a rare sight. The image gives us an incredible view of its
wagon wheel-like structure and allows us to peer deep into the Galaxy like never before,
revealing new details about star formation and the mysterious black hole at its centre.
We also got an incredible look at Jupiter and its large moon Europa
during Webb's commissioning stage, giving us an idea of what we can expect when Webb
turns its powerful infrared gaze onto the worlds in our solar system. So what are Webb's next
targets? Well, we can find out using the Space Telescope Science Institutes' weekly schedule,
which reveals the cosmic objects the observatory is currently studying.
In this week's schedule, for example, we have lots of different stars and galaxies being
observed. We can see the day and time of when Webb will be used and the duration of how long
it will be used for. We can see which instrument and mode is required for the observation. But
the interesting sections are the last three columns. Which allows us to find
out the target name, category and some keywords that go along with that target.
Some of the stand-out targets include an enormous comet drifting through our solar system called
Panstarrs-C17k2. The Galaxy M31, also known as Andromeda and M33, also known as the Triangulum
Galaxy. These two galaxies are a part of a local group of galaxies that include the Milky Way.
As you can see, M33 has a lot of time allocated to it. So I'm excited to
see what comes from this observation. Every week a new schedule is uploaded,
and anyone can view it using the link I'll put in the description of this video.
Besides the exciting views of gigantic stars, thick cosmic clouds and spiralling galaxies,
Webb will also be analysing the atmospheres of 70 distant planets far beyond our solar system
this year. The first data to be collected was from the exoplanet called Wasp-96b,
which was released as part of Webb's first images and revealed that the alien world was
covered with a hot, puffy atmosphere, with clouds and haze, and the distinct signature of water.
Going forward, NASA has confirmed that a Webb observation team plans to probe the depths of
a “hot Jupiter" type exoplanet called HD 189733 b. A scorching world a little larger than our own
Jupiter that rains glass sideways and orbits its star so tightly that a “year” takes only 2 days.
Webb has also begun looking for atmospheres in the famous planetary group called TRAPPIST-1,
which contains seven roughly Earth-sized planets in tight orbits around a star
less than 10 per cent the size of the Sun.
So what's next for the James Webb space telescope? Well, If you look through Webb's past schedules,
you will find it has already peered at asteroids, exoplanets, galaxies, local planets, comets,
molecular gas clouds, supernova remnants and much more. And it's only been active since early July
2022. So there is plenty of potential for many groundbreaking discoveries just around the corner.
If you want to stay up to date with future targets, in between the amazing images being
released, then check out Webb's weekly schedule using the link I mentioned in the description.
The telescope is expected to last for a few decades,
so we can more than likely look forward to many incredible announcements. Provided it
has enough fuel and withstands the harsh realities of life in space, of course.
During its time gazing at the stars, it will act as a sort of time machine, allowing astronomers
and the public a small sparkling window into the mysteries of the universe. So stay tuned because
if you found the first set of images incredible, the ones to come will no doubt blow your mind.
I hope you enjoyed this update on the James Webb space telescope. If you did tap the like button,
subscribe and remember to turn on your notification bell so that you never
miss an upload. If you want more space, then why check out this video.
Thank you all for watching, and I'll see you all next week.