LIVE | The first image from the James Webb Space Telescope! (and why it looks a bit naff)

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👩🏽‍💻 I'm Dr. Becky Smethurst, an astrophysicist at the University of Oxford. I love making videos about science with an unnatural level of enthusiasm. I like to focus on how we know things, not just what we know. And especially, the things we still don't know. If you've ever wondered about something in space and couldn't find an answer online - you can ask me! My day job is to do research into how supermassive black holes can affect the galaxies that they live in. In particular, I look at whether the energy output from the disk of material orbiting around a growing supermassive black hole can stop a galaxy from forming stars.

[ambicagovind]

Dr.Becky, you're one of the persons who inspired me to become an astrophysicist- I'm now a physics undergraduate who lives with the dream of working under you some day. I love how you're inspiring people and helping them realise what they're missing out on without physics! You're the best!

[firstnamelastname]

I've SO happy NASA decided to share these images! I was worried that the early Hubble would cause them to shy away from releasing anything until it was perfect, but I love this type of thing. I would love to see more telemetry data from the observatory too!

[DrBecky]

Edit: “naff” is a polite way of saying “a little bit shit” 😅 Whoops I just did this live over 4G and now all my data is gone 😅 hope the stream was ok at the time.

[Nolan]

Thank you Dr Becky and thank you JWST, just the most exciting time to be alive! 🤗❤️🤗

[singing-sands]

Not naff, not too blurry for my old eyes! I never expected such exciting developments at age 75! Thank you for taking me along on your journey and remember you make a difference to enthusiasts of all ages!🥰

[rksnj]

Your excitement is contagious! That's why I love your videos!

[fluxM]

LOVE your enthusiasm and energy! You get me so hype for even the small things and help me feel less embarrassed about how excited I can get for space- thank you!

[grahampaulkendrick]

Thanks, Dr.Becky. I love your enthusiasm for all the new telescopes.

[skidmo]

Making me look up definition of "naff" - you teach everything Dr. Becky.

[terryjwood]

I don't think that ANYONE else could be as excited as you are! It's great to see someone who really loves what she does!

[marceloostermeyer]

I share your enthusiasm. Also super curious about the first "real" images

[bryanbrady]

Your joy reminds me of me of my childhood wonder of infinity. Thank you, I needed that. Will tomorrow as well, so please keep being you.

[justanotherperson]

Love the enthusiasm and excitement Dr. Becky! I had my share of enthusiasm yesterday with performing astrometry for the first time!

[thomasross]

The image is naff. YOU are absolutely radiant when you're this excited though. Thank you for doing your usual fantastic job explaining what you were showing to us!

[neoanderson]

Yep, saw it on the JWST channel.
I found it funny how they were able to take a selfie of the mirror 👏🏻😂
Everything looking good so far! Let the alignment process begin! 😉😎

[alexdiggins]

Just got back from a pub and watched this video. I was holding my head in the same way and smiling as you did. I think the true weight of what's coming is too spectacular to fully express

[michaeloverton]

I love your boundless enthusiasm for this, and how you convey the sheer excitement of this. So often science can seem dry and unexciting. You're unbridled joy is very fun to see.

[charliebrown]

Your enthusiasm is not only palpable but inspiring. I was lucky enough to have a wonderful career in an environment I was equally enthusiastic about and it does my heart good to see it in you.

You are an inspiration to so many people and seriously entertaining education for those of us who are intrigued but totally baffled, by astrophysics.

Thanks for a swell time, each and every episode.

[warbash]

yeah, i feel ya Dr. Becky! I can't believe it's actually up there. i never thought it would even launch. I thought bureaucracy and budgets would swallow it up like a black hole, but holy cow! it made it!!! it's really quite an accomplishment

[CyberSystemOverload]

Your massive enthusiasm is so infectious. Truly one of the few people on the planet who had a dream, chased it and now you are living it. Looking forward to the future videos you will release as JWST comes online!