James Webb Space Telescope Image Processing
Calibration, enhancement, and color mapping of JWST datasets
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a cutting-edge space observatory designed to collect high-precision astronomical data across multiple infrared wavelengths. Its instruments deliver raw multi-band datasets that require advanced calibration, noise reduction, and spectral interpretation. Through scientific image processing, JWST data can be transformed into high-fidelity visual representations, revealing physical structures, composition, and evolutionary processes in distant cosmic objects with unprecedented accuracy.
Learn more on the James Webb Space Telescope websites: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/ | https://esawebb.org
Full resolution files are available here: https://jackiebranc.com/Nextcloud/index.php/s/4KBmBcqtjbnrke2
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a cutting-edge space observatory designed to collect high-precision astronomical data across multiple infrared wavelengths. Its instruments deliver raw multi-band datasets that require advanced calibration, noise reduction, and spectral interpretation. Through scientific image processing, JWST data can be transformed into high-fidelity visual representations, revealing physical structures, composition, and evolutionary processes in distant cosmic objects with unprecedented accuracy.
Learn more on the James Webb Space Telescope websites: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/ | https://esawebb.org
Full resolution files are available here: https://jackiebranc.com/Nextcloud/index.php/s/4KBmBcqtjbnrke2
Data processing pipeline and sample data set available for download here:
https://jackiebranc.com/Nextcloud/index.php/s/a8dryKRMEZLZgCo
1) Python – extracting TIFF image files from FITS files
Requirements:
Python 3.9 or newer (recommended: Python 3.10+)
Required Python libraries: numpy, astropy, tifffile, logging
Python script for rendering JWST FITS files with instrument selection and logging is available for download here:
JWST_FITS_rendering_pipeline_Python_script.zip
https://jackiebranc.com/Nextcloud/index.php/s/T7Xe6ZCjdtsXJfX
2) GIMP 3.0.8 – initial processing and calibration of TIFF layers
GIMP is used for the initial processing and calibration of TIFF raster images representing RGB layers (as well as intermediate layers) derived from the telescope’s infrared filters.
A sample dataset (2727 Cartwheel Galaxy | JWST Early Release Observation 1) is available for download:
MIRI:
Sample_Dataset-alignment_MIRI__2727_NAME-CARTWHEEL_2022-06-15_JB_processing.zip
https://jackiebranc.com/Nextcloud/index.php/s/SNidXaYWWKYWbjN
NIRCam:
Sample_Dataset-alignment_NIRCam_2727_NAME-CARTWHEEL_2022-06-15_JB_processing.zip
https://jackiebranc.com/Nextcloud/index.php/s/Cy3pS7Dd4CsFQJ8
In GIMP, the following steps are performed: preliminary image adjustments, calibration of RGB and intermediate layers, preparation of data for compositing. GIMP is also used for the final processing of the output image, including: artifact removal, color correction, cropping and framing, fine visual adjustments.
Dataset with post-processing in GIMP:
Sample_Dataset-2727_NAME-CARTWHEEL_2022-06-15_NIRCam_MIRI_composite_JB_processing_R_V1.zip
https://jackiebranc.com/Nextcloud/index.php/s/kLtsf7gzP9KxHW8
3) Blender 4.5.2 LTS – compositing and final image assembly
Blender (Compositing) is the main tool used to combine and process the TIFF raster layers (RGB and intermediate layers) generated from FITS files by the rendering script.
Blender is used for: compositing multiple infrared filter layers, basic graphical processing, assembling the final output image.
A Blender (.blend) file containing a sample data package (2727 Cartwheel Galaxy | JWST Early Release Observation 1) is available for download here:
Sample_Dataset-2727_NAME-CARTWHEEL_2022-06-15_NIRCam_JB_processing_V1.zip
https://jackiebranc.com/Nextcloud/index.php/s/N4A6y8zNmP9cZjK
4) NOIRLab FITS Liberator 5 – extracting TIFF image files from FITS files
For extracting TIFF image files from FITS files, I highly recommend NOIRLab FITS Liberator 5, available at:
https://noirlab.edu/public/products/fitsliberator/
Data Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
4547 The stellar & sub-stellar initial mass function in Sharpless 305
and protostar RAFGL 5232
Exposure Dates 2025-03-31
Principal Investigator: Mark McCaughrean
Program info: https://www.stsci.edu/jwst-program-info/program/?program=5791
Source: https://www.stsci.edu/jwst-program-info/program/?program=4547
Instruments NIRCAM | Filters F444W,F335M,F182M,F212N,F150W2-F162M,F140M
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
2731 NGC 3324 “Cosmic Cliffs” in the Carina Nebula
Exposure Dates 2022-06-03
Principal Investigator: Klaus Pontoppidan
Program info: https://www.stsci.edu/jwst-program-info/program/?program=2731
Source: https://yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_latest_release.html
Instruments NIRCAM | Filters F444W,F444W-F470N,F200W,F335M,F187N,F090W
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
5552 BHR71 | Mapping the distribution of ices in the host environments of
protostellar hot corinos
Exposure Dates 2025-04-07
Principal Investigator: Jes Jorgensen
Program info: https://www.stsci.edu/jwst-program-info/program/?program=5552
Source: https://yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_latest_release.html
Instruments NIRCAM | Filters F200W,F212N,F360M,F480M
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
2727 Cartwheel Galaxy | JWST Early Release Observation 1
Exposure Dates 2022-06-12
Principal Investigator: Michael Kuhn
Program info: https://www.stsci.edu/jwst-program-info/program/?program=2727
Source: https://yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_latest_release.html
Instruments:
NIRCAM | Filters F277W, F090W, F356W, F150W, F444W, F200W
MIRI: F1000W, F1280W, F770W, F1800W
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
5791 CL-TRUMPLER-14 Carina Nebula
Exposure Dates 2026-03-28
Principal Investigator: Michael Kuhn
Program info: https://www.stsci.edu/jwst-program-info/program/?program=5791
Source: https://yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_latest_release.html
Instruments NIRCAM | Filters F212N,F444W-F466N
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
2733 Southern Ring Nebula
Exposure Date 2022-06-03
Principal Investigator: Klaus Pontoppidan
Program info: https://www.stsci.edu/jwst-program-info/program/?program=2733
Source: https://yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_latest_release.html
Instruments:
NIRCAM | Filters F356W,F212N,F405N-F444W,F187N,F090W,F444W-F470N
MIRI: F770W,F1800W,F1280W
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
2732 NGC7320 Stephan’s Quintet
Exposure Dates 2022-06-12
Principal Investigator: Klaus Pontoppidan
Program info: https://www.stsci.edu/jwst-program-info/program/?program=2732
Source: https://yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_latest_release.html
Instruments:
NIRCAM | Filters F200W,F444W,F150W,F356W,F277W,F090W
MIRI | Filters F1000W (NGC7318b / NGC7318a shockwave, NGC7320, NGC7319),F1500W,F770W
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
5145 Galaxy M82
Exposure Dates 2026-03-25
Principal Investigator: Adam Smercina
Program info: https://www.stsci.edu/jwst-program-info/program/?program=5145.
Source: https://yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_latest_release.html
Instruments NIRCAM | Filters F200W,F444W,F115W
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
3177 Black Eye Galaxy
Exposure Dates 2024-06-18
Principal Investigator: Jiayi Sun
Program info: www.stsci.edu/jwst-program…
Source: https://yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_latest_release.html
Instruments NIRCAM | Filters F187n, F405n-F444w, F430m, F300m, F200w, F150w
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
4545 NGC 2244 core
Exposure Dates 2025-03-02
Principal Investigator: Mark McCaughrean
Program info: www.stsci.edu/jwst-program…
Source: https://yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_latest_release.html
Instruments NIRCAM | Filters F115W, F335M, F150W-F162M, F140M, F182M, F144W, F360M, F300M
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
6558 Herbig-Haro 49/50 Jet Center | Multi-band imaging of protostellar jet
Exposure Dates 2024-08-06
Principal Investigator: Macarena Garcia Marin
Program info: www.stsci.edu/jwst-program…
Source: https://yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_latest_release.html
Instruments NIRCAM / MIRI | Filters F144W,F335M,F200W,F115W,F444W-F470N,F770W
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
1783 NGC 628 Phantom Galaxy
Exposure Dates 2024-01-17
Principal Investigator: Angela Adamo
Program info: www.stsci.edu/jwst-program…
Source: https://yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_latest_release.html
Instruments NIRCAM / MIRI | Filters F277w,F405n,F335m,F144W,F150w,F115w,F200w,F187n,F560w,F770w
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
1783 NGC 628 Phantom Galaxy | NIRCAM
Exposure Dates 2024-01-17
Principal Investigator: Angela Adamo
Program info: www.stsci.edu/jwst-program…
Source: https://yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_latest_release.html
Instruments NIRCAM | Filters F277w,F405n,F335m,F144W,F150w,F115w,F200w,F187n
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
9224 Cranium Nebula Center
Exposure Dates Thu Feb 26 01:47:43 EST 2026
Principal Investigator: Macarena Garcia Marin
Program info: www.stsci.edu/jwst-program…
Source: https://yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_latest_release.html
Instruments NIRCAM / MIRI | Filters F1000W,F1800W,F187n,F1444W-F470N,F1280W,F1130W,F150W,F444W
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
The Origin of the Crab Nebula – Crab Pulsar PSR B0531+21
Exposure Dates 31-10-2022
Principal Investigator: Tea Temim
Program info: www.stsci.edu/jwst-program…
Source: Source: MAST Archive
Instrument NIRCAM | Filters F480M2-F162M, F480M | green channel simulated
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
I fell in love with a star ❤️
Butterflies in my stomach, the world seems so vividly coloured, I obsessively keep thinking about you.
What are you doing right now, my Star?
Neutrons are dripping away, my beloved degenerate fermion gas.
A heart full of pions and kaons, you wink at me through 10¹² gauss…
…My beloved Neutron Star ( PSR_B0531+21 ).
Young protostellar jet HH288 | Molecular cloud emission enhanced
Exposure Dates 2025-01-26
Principal Investigator: Mark McCaughrean
Program info: www.stsci.edu/jwst-program…
Source: yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_l…
Instrument NIRCAM | Filters F212W,F200W,F150W,F356W,F444W,F444-F466N,F444W-F470N
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
5293 – Galactic Winds in the Early Universe: observing outflows in emission
and absorption in a typical z~6 galaxy
Exposure Dates 2026-02-28
Principal Investigator: Lukas Furtak
Program info: www.stsci.edu/jwst-program…
Source: yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_l…
Instrument NIRCam | Filters F115W,F200W,F150W,F300W,F410M,F250
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
Galaxy cluster CLG 0451-03
Exposure Dates 2025-01-28
Principal Investigator: Lukas Furtak
Program info: www.stsci.edu/jwst-program…
Source: yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_l…
Instrument NIRISS | Filters f356w,f277w,f200w
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
HH211 Kinematics
Exposure Dates 2025-01-24
Principal Investigator: Thomas Ray
Program info: www.stsci.edu/jwst-program…
Source: yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_l…
Instrument NIRCam | Filters f444w,f210m,f210m,f212n
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
Galaxy cluster CLG 0451-03
Exposure Dates Wed Jan 28 01:39:31 EST 2026
Principal Investigator: Lukas Furtak
Program info: www.stsci.edu/jwst-program…
Source: yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_l…
Instrument NIRCam | Filters f150w,f444w,f277w,f200w,f356w
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
Extreme Star-Forming and Dusty Galaxy NGC 1614
Exposure Dates 2025-01-23
Principal Investigator: Miranda Caputo
Program info: www.stsci.edu/jwst-program…
Source: yuval-harpaz.github.io/astro/jwst_l…
Instrument NIRCam | Filters f277w,f480m,f200w,f410m,f182m,f210m
Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Jackie Branc © CC BY
© 2026 – Jackie Branc
