The James Webb Space Telescope has achieved its deepest gaze on a single target to date, capturing a stunning image of galaxy cluster Abell S1063. The warped light from older, distant galaxies reveals more than 100 faint and previously unseen galaxies, offering insights into the early universe.
Galaxy cluster Abell S1063 is located about 4.5 billion light-years away in the southern constellation Grus. The telescope’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) utilized the gravitational lens effect to take a single exposure of 120 hours, gathering as much light as possible to reveal distant galaxies that other observatories can’t see.
The observation is significant because it demonstrates JWST’s ability to capture deep-field images using the magnifying effect of gravitational lensing. This technique allows scientists to study the very first galaxies formed in the early universe.
The European Space Agency describes this achievement as a “deepest gaze” on a single target, pushing the limits of the James Webb Space Telescope. The observation has the potential to reveal more about the early universe and its mysterious beginnings.
For more information on gravitational lensing and the James Webb Space Telescope’s capabilities, visit Space.com or explore related content.
Source: https://www.space.com/astronomy/james-webb-space-telescope/jwst-peers-through-a-cosmic-lens-in-deepest-gaze-to-date-space-photo-of-the-day-for-may-27-2025