NASA’s Roman telescope just opened its planet-hunting eye

What happened

NASA’s Roman Space Telescope has demonstrated remarkable pointing stability and given its powerful planet-imaging coronagraph its first look at the cosmos. Its coronagraph also captured stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud, confirming that the instrument can produce focused images. NASA is a space exploration and public company founded in 1958.

Science News from research organizations NASA’s Roman telescope just opened its planet-hunting eye Date: October 2, 2026 Source: NASA Summary: NASA’s Roman Space Telescope has demonstrated remarkable pointing stability and given its powerful planet-imaging coronagraph its first look at the cosmos. Share: Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIN Email FULL STORY NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has completed an important series of tests showing that it can keep its gaze extremely steady during observations.

15 to 21, engineers tested Roman's fine-guidance system, which helps the observatory remain precisely locked onto its targets. 22, the telescope's Coronagraph Instrument received cosmic light for the first time. The telescope can already stay locked on a target with precision comparable to aiming a laser at a dime from about 150 miles away.

Key facts

• 15 to 21, engineers — tested: Roman's fine-guidance system, which helps the observatory remain precisely locked onto its targets