Now that all of JWST ’s scientific discipline pawn have beenaligned with the telescope ’s opticsand are all work at their ( very cold ) run temperatures , we have seen some of the test images it has sent back . These images are very impressive but they become even more so when directly compared with our previous infrared observatory in quad . Now , NASA has released two images of the same part of the sky taken by Spitzer and JWST to demonstrate just that .
JWST , now the largest and more sinewy telescope ever sent to space , is the successor of Hubble ( whichstill works very firmly , give thanks you very much ) and the Spitzer Space Telescope , which wasretired a few years ago . Spitzer lend unbelievable Modern insights to our savvy of the cosmos by give us an infrared centre into the cosmos and allow for us with the first high - solving images of the universe in near- and mid - infrared .
JWST will also peer into the cosmos in infrared , but with an eye that is much sharper , as you may see here . As NASAsaid , Spitzer walk so JWST could run .
In this comparison animated gif , we see Spitzer ’s and JWST ’s aspect of a part of the gravid Magellanic Cloud , the largest companion coltsfoot that orb our own , the Milky Way . Spitzer ’s Infrared Array Camera , which observes light with a wavelength of 8 microns , describe the stars and the interstellar flatulency in the nearby Galax urceolata .
ButJWST ’s Mid - Infrared Instrument ( MIRI ) , sees the same with unprecedented clearness . The emission of “ polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons , ” significant molecules in interstellar blank , is assure clearly with all their strands and nebulosity . This is the difference between Spitzer ’s 0.85 - meter ( 2.8 feet ) primary mirror and JWST’swhopping 6.5 - meter ( 21 feet ) one .
While the space telescope continues to be tested , NASA officials confirmed yesterday that the first scientific images are expected to be delivered in mid - July , though it ’s still hush hush what the quarry will be .
