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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

excerpt, 100% enlargement

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

excerpt, 75% enlargement

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

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