The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is set to be one of the largest and most powerful space telescopes ever built. JWST is the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope and is set to explore some of the hidden mysteries of our optical universe. Before it does, let’s take an in-depth look at the James Webb Space Telescope and all of the fascinating information it has to offer.
History of the James Webb Space Telescope
The James Webb Space Telescope, named after the late NASA Administrator James E. Webb, is an international collaboration project between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). Development for the telescope began officially in 1996, with the launch of JWST originally planned for 2007. Due to funding and technical issues, the launch of the telescope was pushed back to 2020.
Purpose of the James Webb Space Telescope
The primary purpose of the James Webb Space Telescope is to observe and analyze the infrared part of the sky that is outside the reach of current space telescopes. It is designed to focus on the birth of stars and planets, the formation of galaxies, and the organic molecules that create complex life. JWST will observe the universe in greater detail and with deeper insight than any telescope before it.
Scientific Instruments Aboard JWST
The James Webb Space Telescope is equipped with a number of advanced scientific instruments, including:
• Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam): This instrument will be used to take pictures of the sky in infrared light.
• Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI): This instrument will complement the NIRCam by taking pictures of astronomical targets in the mid-infrared wavelengths.
• Near Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec): This instrument will be used to study the dynamics of stars and planets in a very precise way.
• Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS): This instrument is designed to provide high-precision pointing and tracking of the telescope.
• Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM): This is the main scientific instrument package that comprises all the other instruments.
Features & Benefits of JWST
The James Webb Space Telescope is designed to be an extremely powerful and versatile telescope. Here are some of the main features and benefits of the telescope:
• It is designed to observe and analyze distant galaxies and other astronomical bodies that are trillions of times fainter than what humans can see naturally.
• JWST has a huge field of view that is 100 times greater than the Hubble Space Telescope.
• It is equipped with highly sensitive scientific instruments that can detect extremely faint objects and will help further our understanding of the universe.
• It can take sensitive and detailed pictures that will give us an unprecedented view of distant galaxies and their stellar nurseries.
• JWST has an impressive suite of technologies and tools that will help improve the accuracy and precision of its observations.
The Mission of the James Webb Space Telescope
The mission of JWST is to observe the most distant objects in the universe, and provide answers to some of the most complex questions about the nature of the universe. Specifically, JWST will study:
• The birth and evolution of galaxies and other celestial objects;
• The formation of stars and their planetary systems;
• The formation and evolution of organic molecules;
• The intergalactic medium (the stuff that exists in the space between galaxies);
• The nature of dark matter and dark energy; and
• Other fundamental questions about the universe.
Launch & Deployment of JWST
The James Webb Space Telescope is set to be launched in October 2018 from the Guiana Space Centre, located in French Guiana. Once JWST is in orbit, it will require several additional weeks before it is able to conduct any observations. During this time, the telescope will be instructed to unfold its giant mirror and deploy two of its other components.
The James Webb Space Telescope is truly a remarkable device and even more remarkable project. Its construction and launch is a testament to our ingenuity, ingenuity, and ambition of exploration and discovery. When it finally launches, JWST will provide us with unprecedented insight into the most mysterious parts of our universe. We eagerly await the groundbreaking discoveries it will surely bring.
