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Stunning test images from James Webb Telescope released by NASA

The James Webb Space Telescope beamed back the latest test pictures of a neighbouring satellite galaxy, and the results are stunning when compared with images taken by NASA's previous infrared observatory. NASA provided an update on the telescope Monday.

Science observations are set to start in July, after last part of testing

The Associated Press ·
This combination of images provided by NASA on Monday shows part of the Large Magellanic Cloud, a small satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, seen by the retired Spitzer Space Telescope, left, and the new James Webb Space Telescope. The new telescope is in the home stretch of testing, with science observations expected to begin in July. (NASA/JPL-Caltech/NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI/The Associated Press)

NASA's new space telescope is in the home stretch of testing, with science observations expected to begin in July, astronomers said Monday.

The James Webb Space Telescope beamed back the latest test pictures of a neighbouring satellite galaxy, and the results are stunning when compared with images taken by NASA's previous infrared observatory, the Spitzer Space Telescope.

Each of the 18 mirror segments on the new telescope is bigger than the single one on Spitzer.

"It's not until you actually see the kind of image that it delivers that you really internalize and go, 'Wow!"' said the University of Arizona's Marcia Rieke, chief scientist for Webb's near-infrared camera. "Just think of what we're going to learn."

WATCH | Canadian researchers await images from James Webb telescope:

Canadian researchers await images from James Webb telescope

5 months ago
Duration 2:18
Canadian researchers are eagerly awaiting images from the James Webb Space Telescope and the potential of new space discoveries.

Launched last December, the $10 billion US ($13 billion Cdn) Webb is the largest and most powerful astronomical observatory ever sent into space. It will seek light emitted by the first stars and galaxies close to 14 billion years ago, and keep a sharp lookout for possible signs of life.

Scientists are keeping the identity of Webb's first official target a secret.

Positioned 1.6 million kilometres from Earth, Webb is considered the successor to the aging Hubble Space Telescope.

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