August 2022    
         
         
 
     
  Universe unveiled  
     
  Last December the James Webb Space Telescope launched, but it would be months before the observatory reached its destination, settled in, and started doing science.  
     
  Shortly after JWST reached its final orbit in January, UChicago Magazine spoke with Kenneth Sembach, AB’88, director of the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), the NASA-contracted organization responsible for Webb’s flight and science operations. He knew what Webb’s first images would be, but Sembach was sworn to secrecy. We had to wait like everybody else.  
     
  The wait is over.  
     
 
Cosmic cliffs
 
 
     
  “Cosmic Cliffs” in the Carina Nebula (Image: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI)  
     
 
     
 
Stephans Quintet
 
 
     
  Stephan’s Quintet (Image: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI)  
     
 
     
 
Southern Ring Nebula
 
 
     
  Southern Ring Nebula (Image: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI)  
     
 
     
  See all images in their high-resolution, uncropped, zoomable glory.  
     
  Compare Webb’s shots side by side with Hubble’s.  
     
  Find where these scenes are in the great big sky.  
     
 
 
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Our monster: Photo of Sgr A* provides evidence of our backyard black hole.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
  Support UChicago physical sciences.  
     
 
     
 
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