Wonders Of Space: Best Photos Clicked By James Webb Space Telescope In 2022

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has changed how we view space, literally. The space observatory's ability to perceive infrared wavelengths that are invisible to the human eye has the potential to show us the universe's earliest galaxies and stars that formed right after the Big Bang.

On Christmas Day last year, the JWST was launched into space. The first batch of images clicked by the groundbreaking telescope were released to the public in July 2022 through a press conference. We've compiled some of the best shots taken by James Webb Space Telescope over the course of this year.

Deepest Infrared Image of the Universe

NASA

In July, James Webb Space Telescope shared this astounding image of the cosmos, marking the first full-colour image by the telescope. "It's the deepest and sharpest infrared image of the distant Universe, so far. This image covers a patch of sky approximately the size of a grain of sand held at arm¡¯s length. It¡¯s just a tiny sliver of the vast universe," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in a statement.

It's known as Webb's First Deep Field and shows the galaxy cluster SMACS 0723 in unprecedented detail.

Stephan's Quintet

NASA

A group of five galaxies, Stephan's Quintet was photographed in unparalleled detail by the James Webb Space Telescope. Four of these market the first compact group of galaxies ever discovered.

In the image, we can see that two galaxies are currently merging. Scientists hope to get a better understanding of processes that create galaxies by observing such phenomena.

The Southern Ring Nebula

NASA

The Southern Ring Nebula, or NGC 3132, as it if officially classified represents what happens when a dying star expels huge amounts of mass in successive waves, as evident in the pic.

Scientists also found an edge-on galaxy near the top of the nebula, all thanks to James Webb Space Telescope.

Jupiter

NASA

The largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter was captured in infrared light by JWST. When it was made perceptible for human eyes, what we saw shocked the entire world - Jupiter in amazing detail.

From auroras to the Great Red Spot, this JSWT image managed to capture it all.

Carina Nebula

NASA

This beautiful image of the Carina Nebula, officially known as NGC 3324 looks almost fictional. But it's not! The red-brown hues smashing into blue lights are all stars being birthed in a cosmic nursery.

It is often called Cosmic Cliffs and is situated within our Milky Way galaxy - in the Carina-Sagittarius arm. "These observations of NGC 3324 will shed light on the process of star formation. Star birth propagates over time, triggered by the expansion of the eroding cavity," NASA wrote.

Pillars of Creation

NASA

The Pillars of Creation were first captured by the Hubble Space Telescope in 1995. In 2022, we got an updated visual treat of the "pillars" representing gas and dust in the Eagle Nebula.

Situated 7,000 light-years-away, the region is birthing new stars, all of which were visible in unprecedented details all thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope.

Tarantula Nebula

NASA

Another cosmic nursery, the Tarantula Nebula is situated 161,000 light-years away from Earth, in the Large Magellanic Cloud. This nebula is home to a block hole VFTS 243 - the first one to be found outside our home galaxy that doesn't give off strong energy.

Officially known as 30 Doradus, the nebula is home to some of the hottest and most massive stars known to us.

What do you think about these stunning images shared by James Webb Space Telescope over the course of 2022? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.