editor’s note
Looking at the ‘wide world’. We look at ‘humanity’s efforts’ to expand awareness and ground through technological advancement. The story of the vast universe beyond the earth, ‘Cosmo Story’ begins.
An image of the Carina Nebula Open Cluster from James Webb’s first full-color image. NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI. Image processing: J. DePasquale (STScI).
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which flew into space on an Ariane 5 rocket at the French Guiana Space Center in December 2021.
After about half a year of preparation, on July 12 last year, we confirmed James Webb’s historic first results.
“Our goal is that the first James Webb images and data will demonstrate the powerful capabilities of the telescope and give a preview of upcoming science missions,” said Klaus Pontofidan, James Webb Project scientist at the Space Telescope Science Initiative (STScI). “This result will provide the ‘WOW’ that astronomers and the public have been waiting for,” he said.
James Webb’s results, which were released through real-time broadcasting around the world, made everyone exclaim, ‘Wow!’, and astronomers could not keep their mouths shut at the wonderful appearance of the universe observed with infrared light.
A year has passed since that impression.
James Webb observed the closest stellar cradle to Earth
On July 12 (local time), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) observed a special celestial object and released the results to mark the first anniversary of the release of James Webb’s full-color image. This observation target is the ‘Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex’, which is the ‘cradle of stars’ where stars such as the sun are born, and is the closest to a star forming region. It is located about 390 light-years from Earth in the southern direction of Ophiuchus. Detailed close-up shots were possible due to the distance between the object and James Webb, where no other stars were located.
The ‘Rho Ofiuchi’ cloud complex unveiled to commemorate the first anniversary of James Webb. NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Klaus Pontoppidan (STScI)
Why was this celestial body selected as the 1st anniversary image? It is assumed that this is because it is a celestial body that contains many of the directions of scientific observation that James Webb aims for.
The object appears red as star-forming exploding jets intersect and impact surrounding interstellar gas and react with nearby hydrogen molecules. Most of the 50 or so young stars seen in the image are similar in mass to or smaller than the Sun. ‘S1’ is the only star more massive than the sun that shines brightly among the brightly lit curtains.
Looking at the image, infrared observations show details of the interior and changes that are hidden by light and dust that cannot be seen with visible light. It also shows the birth and growth of stars and, like our solar system, changes in the composition and formation of matter in stellar disks. Also, red vertical columnar structures made of gas and dust were newly discovered by James Webb’s observations.
Location of the ‘Rho Ophiuchi’ cloud complex as observed by James Webb. NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Klaus Pontoppidan (STScI)
The sun, like the stars in the image, went through a growth phase long ago, spewing out jets. By observing this object in infrared light, we can see how the sun grew and how it formed the stellar system.
“In just one year, James Webb peered into a cloud of dust and was the first to observe light coming from the edge of the universe, changing mankind’s view of the universe,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. It allowed me to ask and answer questions that I hadn’t even dreamed of.”
James Webb’s ‘precise spectroscopy’ fascinated scientists
The first full-color deep field image of James Webb released by US President Joe Biden on July 12 last year. The observation target is the SMACS 0723 galaxy cluster. NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI
Since US President Joe Biden released the first deep field image, we are experiencing a new universe as amazing as Lasik surgery. Infrared observations are surprising enough, but what excites scientists is their precise spectral capabilities. The power of James Webb’s near-infrared spectrometer (NIRSpec) has had many applications.
First of all, by analyzing the light of the most distant galaxy and very minute changes in the redshifted light, we discovered the distance to the ancient galaxy, the shape of the universe, and the supermassive black hole in the early days of the universe.
Transit graph of exoplanet WASP-96b. Provided by National Aeronautics and Space Administration
In addition, through transit (observation of the change that occurs when light from a star passes through a planet’s atmosphere), it has made it possible to analyze the atmosphere of exoplanets such as WASP-39b. As light passes through the atmosphere of an exoplanet, it is possible to determine whether an exoplanet has an atmosphere and, if so, whether it is a Jupiter-type or terrestrial planet through changes caused by the components absorbing light. It can detect and determine atmospheric components, such as organic carbon molecules. If life does exist on that planet, atmospheric analysis may find the coveted extraterrestrial life.
TRAPPIST-1 (TRAPPIST-1) red dwarf system orbital explanation data. Provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Recently, James Webb has been observing the Trappist-1 red dwarf system, which has been predicted to have life. Here, seven terrestrial planets (b to h) orbit around a red dwarf star smaller than the sun, closer than the orbit of Mercury. It seems to be too close, but thanks to the fact that the red dwarf is smaller than the sun and has a lower temperature, the Goldilocks zone in which life can exist is formed, and four planets (d, e, f, g) orbit here. STScI is sequentially observing TRAPPIST-1 planets.
Image illustrating the surface temperature of TRAPPIST-1b. NASA, ESA, CSA, J. Olmsted (STScI); Science: Thomas Greene (NASA Ames), Taylor Bell (BAERI), Elsa Ducrot (CEA), Pierre-Olivier Lagage (CEA)James Webb light curve observing Trappist-1c. NASA, ESA, CSA, Joseph Olmsted (STScI)
First, the observation results of b and c were disclosed. Atmospheres have not been confirmed on either planet. It’s too close to a red dwarf star for life to exist and receives too much energy, making the surface hot and difficult to create a sufficient atmosphere. Therefore, scientists are focusing their attention on the next target, ‘TRAPPIST-1d’ observation.
Comparison of images taken by James Webb and the Hubble Space Telescope of Uranus and Neptune. Provided by STScI
Even in observations of our solar system, which aren’t far out in space, we’ve discovered many things. It clearly captured the faint rings of Uranus and Neptune and observed the aurora on Jupiter.
Imaginary image of a donut-shaped plume of water ejected by Enceladus as it orbits Saturn. NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Leah Hustak (STScI)
It was also confirmed that the water erupting from the icy crust of Saturn’s moon Enceladus observed by the Cassini probe is distributed like a giant doughnut in Saturn’s orbit. James Webb compares the components of various molecules and water found in our solar system with those observed in other stellar systems to help efforts to find clues about why Earth became the cradle of life and the origins of life on Earth. will.
Facebook capture of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope
Jane Rigby, Webb chief project scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, said: “With one year of observations, we know for sure how powerful James Webb is, and we’ve made some amazing discoveries and data over the past year.” James Webb is currently planning to complete Cycle 1 of the first observation schedule on September 30, and start a new observation schedule (Cycle 2) in October. Perhaps thanks to the amazing performance of infrared rays, NASA is said to have recommended a proposal for a ‘much more adventurous task’ to the exploration proposal of Cycle 2. These are the reasons why further exploration is expected.
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