What is Webb space Telescope. How Captures Countless Galaxies with it.
What is Webb space Telescope. How Captures Countless Galaxies with it.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a next-generation space observatory set to launch in 2021. It is the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope and is considered to be the most powerful space telescope ever built. The JWST is designed to capture images of galaxies, stars, and planets in stunning detail and is poised to revolutionize our understanding of the universe.
One of the key features of the JWST is its large, 6.5-meter primary mirror, which is more than twice the size of the Hubble's mirror. This means that the JWST can capture more light and observe fainter objects than its predecessor. The telescope is equipped with a suite of advanced scientific instruments, including cameras and spectrometers, that will enable it to capture images of the universe in various wavelengths of light, from the ultraviolet to near-infrared.
The JWST will be located at the second Lagrange point (L2), a stable point located approximately 1.5 million km from Earth. This location is ideal for observing the universe because it allows the telescope to escape the interfering light of the Sun and the Earth. The JWST will also be equipped with a sunshield the size of a tennis court, which will protect the telescope from the heat generated by the Sun.
One of the key goals of the JWST is to study the formation and evolution of galaxies. The telescope's powerful cameras and spectrometers will allow astronomers to study the properties of galaxies, including their ages, masses, and chemical compositions. The JWST will also be able to capture images of galaxies in their earliest stages of formation, allowing astronomers to better understand how galaxies are born and evolve over time.
In addition to observing galaxies, the JWST will also be used to study stars and planetary systems. The telescope's powerful instruments will allow astronomers to study the atmospheres of exoplanets (planets outside of our solar system), searching for signs of water and other elements that are necessary for life. The JWST will also be used to study stars in different stages of their life cycles, from their birth to their death.
One of the most exciting aspects of the JWST is its ability to capture images of the universe in near-infrared light. This wavelength of light is particularly useful for studying distant galaxies and stars, as it allows astronomers to see through the dust and gas that often obscures these objects in visible light. The near-infrared capabilities of the JWST will also allow astronomers to study the birth and evolution of stars and planetary systems in great detail.
The JWST is a collaboration between multiple space agencies, including NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The CSA is responsible for building the sunshield and the fine guidance sensor, while NASA is responsible for building the spacecraft and the scientific instruments. The ESA is responsible for launching the JWST aboard an Ariane 5 rocket and for providing the cryocooler needed to cool the mid-infrared instrument (MIRI).
In conclusion, the James Webb Space Telescope is a highly advanced and powerful space observatory that is set to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. With its large mirror, suite of scientific instruments, and location at the second Lagrange point, the JWST is poised to capture countless galaxies, stars, and planets in stunning detail. From studying the formation and evolution of galaxies to searching for signs of life on exoplanets, the JWST is set to make numerous groundbreaking discoveries that will advance our understanding of the universe and our place in it.