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

Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar

Astronomy Targets

[{"selector":"#anim-df769a96-bcf1-4841-8af5-ec0d7d4ed87e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] The Space Telescope Science Institute has unveiled the selected astronomy proposals for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) over the upcoming year.

253 General Observers Programs Selected

[{"selector":"#anim-781bc2c5-e7e3-4580-a394-26c6a6ef7816 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(5.3828531324062405%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] 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.

Cycle 3 to Build on Scientific Progress

[{"selector":"#anim-c5910a6c-661d-4bad-8996-886e9a1ddcea [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-22.786340968981975%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] 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.

Diverse Range of Targets

[{"selector":"#anim-5f6eb707-d3bb-401e-86b4-e61e65b1d9cb [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] The third-year targets for the JWST include potential exomoons, exoplanets, supermassive black holes, and distant galaxies from the early universe, among others.

Exomoon Search Initiatives

[{"selector":"#anim-919992b7-05a0-422b-a561-7e5cf55e12be [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-9.99536160092772%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] 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

[{"selector":"#anim-bf307512-cd84-4b38-9541-37c456ad7cfc","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-1cc64822-0ef9-43eb-8888-eb27f4d585c4","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(96.02648%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] 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.

Exploring Supermassive Black Holes

[{"selector":"#anim-98bda562-4030-4794-9775-f50845c224cd [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-18.67264832475833%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Cycle 3 missions will further explore supermassive black holes, investigating phenomena like quasars in the early universe to comprehend their influence on galaxy evolution.

Studying Cosmic Evolution

[{"selector":"#anim-16ed1847-e6ec-4e8c-bb23-f759d3301fe9 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] 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.

Broad Scope of Investigations

[{"selector":"#anim-34a2b011-80ad-42c6-a61c-866412519f9f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] 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.

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