LONGUEUIL, QC, July 6, 2022 / CNW Telbec / – Webb’s thin guide sensor (FGS), developed by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and designed to find and fix cosmic targets, has recently captured a vision of stars and galaxies that provides a tempting view of what the telescope’s scientific instruments will reveal in the coming weeks, months and years.
This engineering test image captured by Canada’s Fine Guide Sensor (FGS) at Webb, in 72 exposures over 32 hours in May 2022, offers a unique preview of the power of the space observatory. While Webb’s four scientific instruments will reveal the new vision of the telescope universe, the FGS is the only element that will be used in every Webb observation throughout the life of the mission. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency, NASA, FGS Team) (CNW Group / Canadian Space Agency)
FGS has always been able to capture images, but its main goal is to enable accurate measurements and images of science with precision aiming. When capturing images, the images are not usually preserved: given the limited communications bandwidth between L2 and Earth, Webb only sends data from up to two scientific instruments at a time. But during a stability test for a week in May, the team came up with the idea that they could keep the images that were being captured because there was data transfer bandwidth available.
See full image and subtitle. (Credits: NASA, CSA and FGS team)
Read more on our James Webb Space Telescope news page.
Media interested in speaking with a CSA expert or seeking more information about Canada’s contribution to the Webb Telescope can contact the CSA Media Relations Office.
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