Everybody Wants a Piece of Webb

Since launching into space in December 2021 and starting operations the following July, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has wowed the scientific community and astronomy fans with observations of everything from Jupiter’s auroras to the coldest planet and the most distant galaxy ever seen. More researchers than ever before now want a piece of the Sun-orbiting telescope.

Now in its fourth observation cycle, scientists have submitted more than 2,900 proposals for Cycle 5. The process is intensely competitive—the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), which manages the proposal process, expects to accept only 8% of submissions for a total of 8,000 hours of time on Webb. The proposals come from a broad range of topics, including exoplanets, the solar system, stars and stellar populations, distant galaxies, and the early universe.

Longer observation periods

“This record-breaking response reflects Webb’s exceptional performance and unprecedented capacity to inspire the scientific community and to transform our understanding of the universe,†Jen Lotz, director of the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), said in an institute statement. “While the results of Cycle 5 are yet to be determined, I congratulate all who submitted a proposal and look forward to the discoveries yet to come.â€

The increase in submissions is partly driven by more researchers seeking the telescope’s time. The number of scientists leading Webb proposals jumped up by almost 17%. 77% of the requested time would use spectroscopy, a technique that unveils the physics and chemistry of astronomical bodies. Some of the proposals are part of the new Long-Term Monitoring Initiative, allowing for studies that extend across multiple observing cycles.

“We’re at a time where the mission is maturing enough that researchers can think more about long-term strategic scientific questions,†said Tom Brown, head of STScI’s Webb Mission Office. “Scientists want to tackle bolder and more complex subjects, and this initiative is one way we are facilitating that, with consideration to Webb’s expected extended lifetime and outstanding performance.â€

Collaborative endeavors

The proposed projects also call for a significant amount of collaborations, with joint proposals aiming to integrate Webb data with observations from facilities including NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and the international Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array.

The Telescope Allocation Committee—which consists of hundreds of volunteer reviewers—evaluates the proposals. They will meet in February 2026, and the lucky submissions will be announced the following month.

Cycle 5 begins in July. If you’re a researcher hoping they’ll choose your project, may the James Webb Space Telescope odds be ever in your favor.