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'Blackholes, Exomoons, Dark Energy': James Webb Telescope has 253 missions lined-up for next 2 years

Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar

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James Webb Space Telescope

Astronomy Targets

The Space Telescope Science Institute has unveiled the selected astronomy proposals for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) over the upcoming year.

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253 General Observers Programs Selected

A total of 253 General Observers (GO) programs have been outlined, allowing for a cumulative observation time of 5,500 hours between July 2024 and June 2025, marking the commencement of Cycle 3 of JWST operations.

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Cycle 3 to Build on Scientific Progress

Cycle 3 aims to build upon the scientific advancements of the past two years facilitated by the JWST, humanity's most potent and sensitive space telescope, which commenced data transmission in 2022.

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Diverse Range of Targets

The third-year targets for the JWST include potential exomoons, exoplanets, supermassive black holes, and distant galaxies from the early universe, among others.

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Exomoon Search Initiatives

Teams, such as that led by David Kipping from Columbia University, will dedicate time to hunt for exomoons, focusing on planets like Kepler-167e, located 1,115 light-years from Earth.

Investigating Exoplanet Atmospheres

Several projects aim to determine the habitability of exoplanets, including one focusing on the terrestrial exoplanet TOI-4481b, orbiting a star 39 light-years away.

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Exploring Supermassive Black Holes

Cycle 3 missions will further explore supermassive black holes, investigating phenomena like quasars in the early universe to comprehend their influence on galaxy evolution.

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Studying Cosmic Evolution

The JWST will also continue its exploration of the early universe, investigating cosmic dawn and the epoch of reionization, offering insights into the evolution of galaxies.

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Broad Scope of Investigations

Beyond these specific targets, Cycle 3 will encompass studies on stellar physics, interstellar gas dynamics, and even observations within our solar system, reflecting the JWST's versatile capabilities in astronomical research.