Since launching into space in December 2021 and beginning operations next July, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has captivated the scientific community and astronomy fans with observations of everything from Jupiter’s auroras to the coldest planet ever seen and the most distant galaxy ever seen. More researchers now than ever want a piece of a telescope orbiting the Sun.
Now in its fourth observation cycle, scientists have submitted more than 2,900 proposals for Cycle 5. The process is highly 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 the web. Proposals come from a wide range of topics, including exoplanets, the Solar System, stars and stellar populations, distant galaxies, and the early universe.
long observation period
“This record-breaking response reflects Webb’s extraordinary performance and unprecedented potential to inspire the scientific community and transform our understanding of the universe,” Jane Lotz, director of the Space Telescope Science Institute (STSCI), said in a statement from the institute. “Although the results of Cycle 5 have not yet been determined, I congratulate all who submitted proposals and look forward to the discoveries yet to come.”
The increase in submissions is partly due to more researchers asking for time at the telescope. The number of scientists leading Web proposals increased by nearly 17%. 77% of the time requested will use spectroscopy, a technique that reveals the physics and chemistry of celestial objects. Some proposals are part of new long-term monitoring initiatives, allowing extended studies spanning multiple observation 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 Web Mission Office. “Scientists want to tackle bolder and more complex topics, and with the Web’s expected extended lifetime and excellent performance in mind, this initiative is one way we are facilitating that.”
collaborative effort
The proposed projects also call for a significant amount of collaboration, 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—consisting of hundreds of volunteer reviewers—evaluates the proposals. They will meet in February 2026, and the lucky submissions will be announced the following month.
The cycle begins in July 5th. If you are a researcher hoping that they will choose your project, then the odds for the James Webb Space Telescope will always be in your favor.