JWST Programs Probe Early Universe Galaxies, First Stars, and Dark Matter Halos; NASA Plans Nighthawk Helicopter for Mars; Cassini Observes Enceladus Plumes

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is currently being utilized in several programs aimed at understanding the early universe. These programs focus on observing galaxies from the "Dark Ages," detecting the first stars (Population III stars), and examining the role of dark matter halos in galaxy formation. Specific programs include THRIFTY, which targets luminous galaxies with high redshift values, and studies focusing on "Little Red Dots" to determine their nature. Other programs like MINERVA aim to identify galaxies with unusual spectral energy distributions and improve measurements of stellar mass and star-formation rates. NASA is developing a new helicopter, Nighthawk, for use on Mars, building on the success of Ingenuity. Nighthawk is intended to explore regions like Noctis Labyrinthus, a site of interest for potential human landing missions. Data from the NASA/ESA/ASI Cassini spacecraft indicate water-vapor plumes in the south-polar region of Saturn's moon Enceladus. These plumes may originate from underground reservoirs of liquid water, with evidence suggesting internal geological activity and thermal emissions in the same region.