JWST STARTS OPTICAL ALIGNMENT PROCESS

Hey, Space Placers!

I imaged JWST last night in my 4.5-inch telescope when Webb was 733,008 miles distant. It was quite easy to see and I have been reading that the spacecraft undergoes brightness changes due to our orientation to the sunshield.

JWST is starting the process of aligning its optical system. This is necessary to bring the 18 segments and the secondary mirror into a precise focus.

The entire commissioning process for Webb is expected to take about 5 1/2 months.

Sky Guy in VA

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