JWST's Extended Study of the Milky Way Core: Astronomers' Request

Astronomers are advocating for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to conduct a multi-epoch, large-area, multi-wavelength survey of the Milky Way's Galactic Center (GC). The survey aims to address key unknowns in astrophysics, such as the formation history of the GC, stellar mass formation, stellar initial mass function, star formation rate, and the 3D structure of the interstellar medium. The JWST's high angular resolution would provide unprecedented detail and help unravel the mysteries of the GC, including its supermassive black hole, nuclear star cluster, and gas clouds. The survey would also involve collaboration with other telescopes to maximize its scientific impact.