Webb Telescope Primary Mirror Coming Into Alignment

composite image of star HD84406
Alignment of the James Webb Space Telescope’s primary mirror began with each of its 18 segments taking an image of the bright, isolated star HD 84406, located in the constellation Ursa Major. Over the next several weeks, the 18 segments will be adjusted so that they generate a single image.
Credit: NASA/STSci/J. DePasquale
At first blush, there is nothing particularly noteworthy about HD 84406, a bright, isolated star located near the bowl of the Big Dipper in the constellation Ursa Major. But as the first target imaged by the newly launched James Webb Space Telescope, the star now holds an honored place in the annals...
Irene Klotz

Irene Klotz is Senior Space Editor for Aviation Week, based in Cape Canaveral. Before joining Aviation Week in 2017, Irene spent 25 years as a wire service reporter covering human and robotic spaceflight, commercial space, astronomy, science and technology for Reuters and United Press International.

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