James Webb Space Telescope
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is NASA space observatory that was launched on 25 December 2021. Its goal is to study the first galaxies formed after the Big Bang, stars being born out of interstellar gas clouds, and planetary systems around other stars. JWST has 10 times greater sensitivity than Hubble’s capabilities.
The telescope has already captured some sensational images. It includes several pictures from the period closest to the Big Bang.
The JWST is a space telescope being developed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. It is named after former U.S. Senator John W. James Jr., who chaired the Senate Commerce Committee at the time of its approval. The mission was approved by Congress on October 28, 1998, and construction began in 2002. The telescope is designed to observe infrared radiation emitted by objects across the universe, including stars, galaxies, and black holes.
The Key information:
1. Launch Date: 25 December 2021
2. Mission:
The JWST will study the first billion years of cosmic history, observing the formation of the Milky Way galaxy, the birth of stars, planets, and planetary systems, and the evolution of galaxies.
3. Cost:
The total cost of the project is $8.7 billion.
4. Size:
The JWST weighs about 6 tons and measures 18 feet long. Its mirror is 21 inches wide.
5. Power Source:
The power source for the JWST consists of two solar arrays, each measuring 4.9 square meters. These panels generate enough electricity to operate the spacecraft.
6. Orbit
The orbit of the JWST is circular, meaning that it travels around Earth in a circle.
James Webb Space Telescope trajectory by Animation
Some more interesting images
Image credits: NASA‘s JWST via Flickr
First images captured
Image credits: NASA‘s JWST via Flickr
Conclusion:
JWST is a planned infrared observatory that will replace the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). JWST is designed to operate at longer wavelengths than HST, and thus explore the formation of stars and galaxies beyond redshift 10, which corresponds to a time when the universe was only about 500 million years old.
