NASA has today released images from the James Webb Space Telescope marking the deepest and sharpest infrared image of the distant universe to date.
Known as Webb’s First Deep Field, the image released is of galaxy cluster SMACS 0723 and its level of detail is breathtaking.
An Irish start-up also had a hand in building the largest and most powerful space observatory in history.
Réaltra - a division of Dublin-based electrical and electronic manufacturing company Realtime Technologies - designed and manufactured the video system mounted on the Ariane 5 launch vehicle for the telescope.
The system’s function was to relay high-definition video images showing the separation of the launcher’s fairing and of the telescope separation as it made its journey towards its final orbit.
Meanwhile, a commercial testing company based in Newry, Resonate Testing, worked closely with the Réaltra team to ensure the technology could survive the harsh environments of launch and of space.
According to a statement released by NASA, the image shows “thousands of galaxies – including the faintest objects ever observed in the infrared – have appeared in Webb’s view for the first time.
“This slice of the vast universe covers a patch of sky approximately the size of a grain of sand held at arm’s length by someone on the ground.”
It went on to explain: “The image shows the galaxy cluster SMACS 0723 as it appeared 4.6 billion years ago. The combined mass of this galaxy cluster acts as a gravitational lens, magnifying much more distant galaxies behind it.
“Webb’s NIRCam has brought those distant galaxies into sharp focus – they have tiny, faint structures that have never been seen before, including star clusters and diffuse features. Researchers will soon begin to learn more about the galaxies’ masses, ages, histories, and compositions, as Webb seeks the earliest galaxies in the universe.”
Speaking about this incredible advancement, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said: "Webb's First Deep Field is not only the first full-color image from the James Webb Space 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.
“This mission was made possible by human ingenuity – the incredible NASA Webb team and our international partners at the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency. Webb is just the start of what we can accomplish in the future when we work together for the benefit of humanity."
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