In astronomy, first light is the first use of a telescope (or new instrument) to capture an astronomical image after construction. This typically follows initial optical tests to align components.
Characteristics
First light images are usually of limited scientific value due to ongoing instrument calibration, but mark a significant milestone in a telescope's operational timeline.2 Key aspects include:
- Technical verification: Tests basic functionality and alignment
- Ceremonial importance: Often celebrated after years of development
- Target selection: Typically features bright, well-known objects for initial testing
Notable examples
- Kepler space telescope (2009): First light image confirmed photometer functionality before exoplanet hunting.3
- James Webb Space Telescope (2022): Captured star 2MASS J17554042+6551277 to test mirror alignment.4
- Palomar Observatory (1949): First light revealed optical issues later corrected in the Hale Telescope.5
See also
External links
References
Schroeder, Daniel J. (2000). "10.3 Commissioning and First Light". Astronomical Optics. Academic Press. ISBN 978-0-12-629810-9. 978-0-12-629810-9 ↩
Stepp, Larry M. (January 2003). "Giant Telescopes of the 21st Century". Scientific American. 288 (1): 38–45. doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0103-38. JSTOR 26060266. /wiki/Doi_(identifier) ↩
Atkinson, Nancy (16 April 2009). "Kepler's "First Light" Images". Universe Today. Retrieved 2012-10-13. http://www.universetoday.com/29258/keplers-first-light-images/ ↩
"JWST's First Light Images". STScI. 2022-02-11. https://webbtelescope.org/contents/news-releases/2022/news-2022-002 ↩
Florence, Ronald (1994). The Perfect Machine: Building the Palomar Telescope. HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0-06-092670-0. 978-0-06-092670-0 ↩