August 16, 2022
Last month the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) were released. Rather than imaging space in visible light, the JWST captures data using infrared light. The longer wave lengths of infrared light pass through dense clouds of gas that typically block visible light. In this way the JWST is able to look at regions of space that were previously hidden from view.
A side-by-side comparison of the “Cosmic Cliffs” – a star forming region in the Carina Nebula – as seen by the Hubble (top) and Webb (bottom) telescopes. By observing this region in infrared light, it is possible to reveal stars and structures that were previously hidden by dust. Image credit: NASA