Post #22

We can’t wait to explore the universe with NASAwebb! Hubble has helped pave Webb’s scientific path by making preparatory observations. For example, Hubble surveyed the star cluster Westerlund 2, located about 20,000 light-years away. One of Webb’s main goals is to observe the birth of stars and protoplanetary systems. Using Hubble, astronomers looked for binary stars in their earliest stages of development, where they are likely to be surrounded by protoplanetary disks – disks of dense gas and dust that encircle newly formed stars and eventually form into planets. Westerlund 2 contains many binary stars, and is a prime candidate for future Webb observations. Webb will launch no earlier than December 24. With its powerful infrared vision, our view of the universe is about to change forever! But don’t worry – we aren’t going anywhere! With their complementary abilities, Hubble and Webb will work together to give us a more complete understanding of our universe. Image credits: NASA, ESA, the Hubble Herit