The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is gearing up for an exciting agenda in 2024 and 2025, with a diverse range of targets on its to-do list. Cycle 3 of JWST operations, spanning from July 2024 to June 2025, will see 253 General Observers (GO) programs utilizing the telescope for a collective 5,500 hours. Among the highlights of this cycle are investigations into black holes, exomoons, exoplanets, dark energy, and more.
One of the intriguing endeavors of Cycle 3 involves the search for exomoons, or moons orbiting planets beyond our solar system. David Kipping, from Columbia University, and his team aim to detect exomoons around the gas giant Kepler-167e using the JWST’s Near Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (NIRISS). This endeavor presents a significant challenge due to the faint light-blocking signals exomoons produce compared to exoplanets.
Additionally, JWST’s Cycle 3 includes projects focusing on exoplanets themselves, such as the examination of the terrestrial exoplanet TOI-4481b’s atmosphere. This investigation aims to determine if the exoplanet, orbiting a red dwarf star, possesses the conditions conducive to supporting life.
Another major focus is the study of supermassive black holes, which are believed to reside at the centers of most large galaxies. Cycle 3 will delve into understanding quasars in the early universe and the formation of the first black holes, shedding light on their influence on galaxy evolution over billions of years.
Furthermore, JWST will continue its role in probing the early universe, observing extremely redshifted light from distant objects in the infrared spectrum. This capability allows for the investigation of the first stars and galaxies, offering insights into cosmic evolution.
Cycle 3 will also encompass studies of high-redshift galaxies during the epoch of reionization, shedding light on the sources of ionizing radiation that drove this pivotal stage in cosmic history.
Beyond these highlights, JWST will be utilized to explore various topics, including stellar physics, gas between stars, and bodies within our solar system. This includes investigations into Saturn’s moon Enceladus, Uranus’ rings, and icy objects in the Kuiper Belt.
Looking ahead, the call for Cycle 4 GO proposals will commence on August 1, 2024, with observations slated to begin on July 1, 2025, further extending JWST’s contributions to astronomical research.
