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Since its launch on Christmas Day 2021, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has been busy at work uncovering the secrets of the universe and revealing the majesty of the cosmos through breathtaking displays of astrophotography. Here at IGN, we’re curating and updating a gallery of the most spectacular and important JWST’s images as they’re released.
The JWST’s launch was the result of decades spent in planning and development, during which many billions of dollars were spent, and a metric ton of engineering challenges and setbacks were ingeniously and doggedly overcome.
The telescope now orbits the Sun at a distance of 1.5 million km in a region of space known as the second lagrange point. From here, the observatory can stay in sync with our planet as it makes its way around the Sun, while also keeping its all important sunshield orientated in the correct position to shade its delicate mirrors and instruments.
In its short scientific career, the vast 6.5 m (21.6 ft) golden eye of the Webb telescope has imaged cosmos in spectacular infrared detail, peering into the deep universe, and revisiting famous subjects such as the planets of our solar system, and iconic vistas including the Pillars of Creation.
Be sure to check out the gallery to see the most spectacular examples of the JWST’s astrophotography, and head to IGN’s science page for all the biggest space and science news.
Anthony is a freelance contributor covering science and video gaming news for IGN. He has over eight years experience of covering breaking developments in multiple scientific fields and absolutely no time for your shenanigans. Follow him on Twitter @BeardConGamer
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