An astrophysicist's TOP 5 targets for JWST

00:00 - Introduction
00:55 - TRAPPIST-1
02:46 - GN-z11 & HD1
04:18 - Earendel
05:47 - COSMOS & CR7
09:20 - The galactic centre/Sagittarius A*
11:31 - Brilliant
12:37 - Bloopers

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👩🏽‍💻 I'm Dr Becky Smethurst, an astrophysicist at University of Oxford (Christ Church). 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.

[Stewi]

"It is not long now until we're going to have a fully operational James Webb Space Telescope"

I actually jumped for joy a little at that statement. Such a long journey and we're so close now to having one of the most powerful tools for understanding the universe get to work. I cannot wait to see the first papers that start coming out.

[chrisholdread]

I've been eagerly following Webb for years and almost daily since it's launch. It's perfect deployment is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved. I've been in awe of the test photos and not an astronomer by any means. I love JWST so much it's my desktop background. My favorite instrument is Nirspec because of those quarter million micro shutters and what they'll do. I hope Lego approves of a lego jwst, I will happily pay to have that on my bookshelf

[waldorfstatler]

I love your enthusiasm Becky. Your channel is one of the best.

I wish Patrick Moore was still alive to witness the JWST.

[nigeldepledge]

What I'm most looking forward to from the JWST is the stuff that we don't even know exists yet. Historically, every significant step forward in telescope capabilities has led to us discovering something about which we previously knew nothing.

Failing that, all of the really high-redshift stuff. Even thinking about galaxies that existed when the universe was "just" a couple of hundred million years old blows my mind.

[billyrocket]

Your excitement and pure joy as you talk about JWST and all the new discoveries we are soon to learn about is really fun to watch. I can't wait to see all the pictures and new information from this awesome new instrument. Live long and prosper Dr. Becky. You're amazing.

[marktunnicliffe]

Great list of targets, the exoplanet hunting capabilities of Webb is on another level. All in all Webb will be revolutionary in the search for all sorts of cosmological phenomena. Cannot wait for the data to start being published.

[tonym]

I know you say this list is “in no particular order” - but I ONE HUNDRED PERCENT agree with putting Trappist-1 at the top. What could be more important than answering the oldest question in the universe! I don’t know how the target list is chosen - but I hope those in charge feel the same way. And, by the way, I LOVE your enthusiasm for science. It’s infectious - and I’m confident I would have had chosen a different career path had you been my science teacher in high school!

[henribasson]

Hi Becky
I am a retired electrical engineer and during my career have had the honour of applying science for the benefit of the communities around me. With my background I have also been fascinated by more purely scientific subjects like astrophysics, cosmology and space exploration.
And that is where you come in. Your posts are educational, enthusiastic and entertaining. Furthermore, you present them with humility, a touch of humour and even a bit of self deprecation, which I find charming, considering your obvious intellect. Go Becky!

[rogerj.fugere]

This is the first time that I've heard of Trappist-1. Extremely intrigued.

[mindfulskills]

You popularize astrophysics better than anyone else on the internet. I've been your fan for a while; now I'm a subscriber. Please keep up the great work! <3

[useazebra]

I'm most excited for the MIRI + NIRSPEC coverage of the Hubble Ultra-Deep Field (GTO 1207, George Rieke from UofA). 90 hours of observation time. It's going to be awesome.

[jameswebb]

A real joy watching the video in how excited you are on the upcoming JWST observations! Thank you for sharing!!

[brothergrimm]

One target I'd love to see studied that's sadly not on the list is Tabby's Star... so we could finally have more data about what causes it's periodic dimming.

[biercenator]

Re bloopers: On my first visit to London in 1988, to interview for a post at SOAS, I turned on the telly in my room at the White House Hotel to hear that the day's weather would be "bright with occasional sunshine." I have since moved on, but that phrase has stuck with me through life with an eerie persistence. Thank you for the energy, expertise, humour, and enthusiasm that you bring to your field.

[osrikking]

The top 5 least likely things to be seen:
1) A view of the earth showing it to be flat.
2) A picture of the giant turtle the earth is riding on.
3) A close up view of a tenth (ninth) planet in our solar system... ruled by apes.
4) A clear view an alien spacecraft.
5) God sitting on the can.

[peterwilson]

I'm an astrophysicist too - sort of. I recently retired from a long career as a college instructor, and now, my retirement hobby is working with a professor at a nearby university doing computational modelling of exoplanet systems. I have just discovered your channel and I love your excitement and your breadth of knowledge, and how you make all this boring stuff sound so exciting. I'm your newest sub.

[stoffls]

All of those proposals seem very interesting and exciting. I hope JWST will help answer many questions - and I am sure for every answer there will be a lot of new questions.
And I love your enthusiasm, it really shows that you love and enjoy astrophysics. And you are a great teacher as well!

[wordgirl]

Wave length detection translation that far away ... how absolutely exciting!! You were made for this Dr. Becky ... I love tuning in ...

[MrAshtute]

Genuinely great to see somebody so excited about these things that many people don't understand 👍

[stephenullman]

I love how passionate you are of your work. It's so refreshing to watch. Thank you for all that you do!