Topline
NASA released what it described as the highest-resolution infrared image of the universe ever taken on Monday, offering a vivid glimpse at some of the first galaxies captured by the $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope.
An image released by NASA shows thousands of galaxies in the SMACS 0723 cluster.
Key Facts
NASA unveiled the infrared image during an event at the White House, and plans to release more of the James Webb Space Telescope’s first photos Tuesday morning.
The photo shows thousands of galaxies in the SMACS 0723 cluster—which occupies a tiny slice of the universe—from roughly 4.6 billion years ago, NASA said.
Key Background
The James Webb Space Telescope was launched in December, and soon began orbiting the Sun roughly 1 million miles from Earth. Built in partnership with the European Space Agency and Canadian Space Agency, the Webb is the largest and most sophisticated satellite telescope ever made by NASA, and scientists expect it to offer an unparalleled infrared view of the early universe—and possible clues of whether other faraway planets can sustain life.
What To Watch For
More photos. The telescope has enough onboard fuel to last 20 years, NASA says.
