The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a large, space-based observatory designed to observe the universe in infrared wavelengths. It was launched on December 25, 2021, aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana. JWST is a collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
Here are some key aspects of the telescope:
Infrared Observations: Unlike the Hubble Space Telescope, which primarily observes in optical and ultraviolet wavelengths, JWST is optimized for infrared astronomy. This allows it to see through dust clouds, observe cooler objects like exoplanets, and study the early universe by detecting the faint light from the first galaxies that formed after the Big Bang.
Mirror: The JWST features a large, segmented primary mirror with a diameter of 6.5 meters (21.3 feet). It is made of 18 hexagonal segments coated with gold to enhance infrared observations. The large size allows for more light collection, which enables clearer and more detailed observations.
Location: JWST is positioned at the second Lagrange point (L2), which is approximately 1.5 million kilometers (about 1 million miles) from Earth. This location allows the telescope to have a clear, unobstructed view of space and remain in a stable orbit with minimal interference from Earth's atmosphere and radiation.
Sunshield: JWST is equipped with a sunshield the size of a tennis court, which protects its instruments from heat and light from the Sun, Earth, and Moon. This is crucial for keeping the telescope at very low temperatures required for infrared observations.
Scientific Goals: JWST's scientific mission includes studying the formation of stars and planets, understanding the atmospheres of exoplanets, observing the first galaxies formed after the Big Bang, and exploring the role of dark matter and dark energy in the universe.
JWST is considered one of the most powerful space telescopes ever built and is expected to make groundbreaking discoveries in astrophysics, cosmology, and planetary science.
