The JWST Early Release Observations

Abstract

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Early Release Observations (EROs) is a set of public outreach products created to mark the end of commissioning and the beginning of science operations for JWST. Colloquially known as the “Webb First Images and Spectra,” these products were intended to demonstrate to the worldwide public that JWST is ready for science, and is capable of producing spectacular results. The package was released on 2022 July 12 and included images and spectra of the galaxy cluster SMACS J0723.3-7327 and distant lensed galaxies, the interacting galaxy group Stephan’s Quintet, NGC 3324 in the Carina star-forming complex, the Southern Ring planetary nebula NGC 3132, and the transiting hot Jupiter WASP-96b. This paper describes the ERO technical design, observations, and scientific processing of data underlying the colorful outreach products.