A space telescope shows the distant universe

The launch sent Webb toward its distant observing location near the Sun–Earth L2 point.

After launch, the observatory still had to unfold, align and calibrate before routine science.

A composite image of galaxy cluster SMACS 0723 was shown publicly.

The image shows arcs of distant galaxies magnified by foreground cluster mass.

Webb’s first public deep field demonstrated the power of its near-infrared camera.

The public release presented several targets after the previous evening’s single deep-field unveiling.

The collection included the Cosmic Cliffs in the Carina Nebula.

Webb’s release included infrared views of the Southern Ring Nebula.

The first suite included spectroscopic results for an exoplanet, alongside images of galaxies and nebulae.

Ceremonies in South Africa and Australia marked the start of on-site construction.