NIRCam Instrument

The Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam) is the primary imaging instrument of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). It covers the infrared wavelength range from 0.6 to 5 microns, making it an invaluable tool for studying various celestial objects. It played a crucial role in the recent discovery of four of the most distant galaxies ever observed.

The Cutting-Edge Tech of JWST

Since its launch in 2021, JWST has been sending back an impressive amount of information and images, surpassing the capabilities of the Hubble Space Telescope. The JWST is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including the NIRCam, which allows scientists to cross new frontiers in exploring the universe.

The NIRCam’s Role in Finding Distant Galaxies

In two studies published in the Nature Astronomy journal, astronomers revealed that NIRCam has helped them detect the four most distant galaxies ever observed. The farthest galaxy, named JADES-GS-z13-0, was formed just 320 million years after The Big Bang. This discovery is significant because it is the greatest distance ever observed by astronomers.

The Weight and Characteristics of Distant Galaxies

The four distant galaxies detected by NIRCam are “very low in mass,” weighing roughly a hundred million solar masses. In comparison, the Milky Way weighs 1.5 trillion solar masses. However, these galaxies are very active in star formation in proportion to their mass.

JWST and Hubble Space Telescope’s Contribution

JADES-GS-z10-0, one of the four galaxies detected by NIRCam, was previously spotted by the Hubble Space Telescope. This highlights the importance of combining the capabilities of both telescopes to make groundbreaking discoveries.

Month: Current Affairs – April, 2023

Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs