This Fine Guidance Sensor test image was acquired in parallel with NIRCam imaging of the star HD147980 over a period of eight days at the beginning of May. Source: NASA.
NASA has released a sneak preview from the James Webb Telescope (JWST) saying that it’s “among the deepest images of the universe ever taken”.
Using the Fine Guidance Sensor (FSG) onboard the JWST, several images of stars and galaxies were captured out in deep space with scientists saying that it’s excited them for what’s to come.
Although the FSG has taken these photos, it’s primary use is to help instruments onboard with “precision pointing”.
Originally scientists were conducting an engineering examination in which they were testing the “roll” of the JWST. Essentially what this did was lock onto a star and analyse the telescopes ability to “roll to one side like an aircraft in flight”.
NASA said that usually they don’t keep images taken by the FSG because of the limited bandwidth between earth and its location, however, they discovered that there was data within the images that could be utilised to produce some epic photos.
“The result – using 72 exposures over 32 hours – is among the deepest images of the universe ever taken, according to Webb scientists.
“When FGS’ aperture is open, it is not using colour filters like the other science instruments – meaning it is impossible to study the age of the galaxies in this image with the rigor needed for scientific analysis.
“But even when capturing unplanned imagery during a test, FGS is capable of producing stunning views of the cosmos.”
NASA says that the FSG photos will be different to the full-resolution images that will be released next week with Administration Bill Nelson saying the new photos will periodically be “the deepest image of the universe ever captured”.
Each image taken from now on by the JWST will become the deepest image with the release of the full-colour images set for July 12.
