NASA officials in tears as they get 'first light' from James Webb Telescope

Almost six months after its launch, NASA James Webb Space Telescope, has started sending images from the far reaches of the universe. It is the largest and most powerful telescope that has ever been put into space. The giant telescope is finally giving new insights about our cosmos leaving NASA’s scientists and researchers in tears. Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA’s scientific programs leader during a news conference on Wednesday said that the first image shared by James Webb Telescope has nearly moved him to tears. NASA’s deputy administrator, Pam Melroy, too shared that the "first light" images "moved him, as a scientist, as an engineer, and as a human being." The First light is the first time a telescope is used to make scientific observations after its test and calibrations.

Recounting his first encounter with data from the James Webb Space Telescope, Zurbuchen said, "It’s really hard to not look at the universe in a new light and not just have a moment that is deeply personal." He called it an emotional moment when nature is seen suddenly releasing some of its secrets. He shared the images are being taken right now and then the space agency will release the photos on July 12. The officials further added that the images and other data captured by James Webb would include the deepest-field image of the universe ever taken.

The James Webb telescope was launched by NASA and the European Space Agency on the Ariane 5 rocket into space on Christmas Day 2021. The telescope is believed to be the world’s most powerful. It has traveled nearly one million miles from Earth.

The successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, the Webb took nearly two decades to design, build, and test before its launch. However, skygazers will have to wait a couple of weeks to see the stunning images from Webb's first observations.