James Webb telescope promises a glimpse of the birth of the universe

Analysis: astronomers are hoping future images will show cosmic dawn', the forming of the first galaxies 13.5bn years ago

The wait, it seems, was worth it. Decades after researchers proposed what became known as the James Webb space telescope, the first colour images have landed and with them a tantalising glimpse of the observatory's power to peer back in time to the moment when the first stars lit up the universe.

Major accomplishments in space observation always ride on a wave of PR and on Monday it was President Joe Biden who unveiled the first colour image, noting the deep implications for Homo sapiens. It was an historic moment" he said, not only for science and technology, but for America and all of humanity".