JWST: Observing the Universe

 JWST: Observing the Universe

JWST: Observing the Universe

One of the most long awaited astronomical projects in recent years is the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). James E. Webb, who led NASA from 1961 to 1968 as its second administrator, is honoured with having the telescope bear his name. The JWST is a space telescope that was created to explore the universe in infrared light as a replacement for the Hubble Space Telescope. We will examine the science underlying the JWST and how it may drastically change our view of the cosmos in this blog article.

The JWST’s Scientific Support

The infrared spectrometer spectrum, which has a greater wavelength range than visible light, is where the JWST is intended to study the universe. Stars and planets emit infrared light, which may pass through dust clouds that block off visible light because it is colder than the surroundings. The JWST will be able to examine the development of galaxies, stars, and planetary systems, as well as the features of exoplanets and the atmospheres of potentially habitable worlds, by observing the cosmos in the infrared.

The primary mirror of the telescope will be 6.5 metres, more than twice as large as the primary mirror of the Hubble Space Telescope. The mirror is made of 18 hexagonal pieces, any of which can be independently adjusted for the best focus. Furthermore, the JWST will include a tennis court-sized sunshield to screen it from the heat of the Sun and the Earth. The sunshield is composed of five layers of a unique material that can endure strong radiation and temperature changes.

Possibility of the JWST

In a variety of ways, the JWST has the potential to completely alter way we perceive the universe. The discovery of the early galaxies that originated in the early cosmos is one of the most exciting possibilities. These galaxies are believed to have formed only a few hundred million years after the Big Bang, and the universe’s expansion has caused their light to be stretched to longer wavelengths. The JWST will be able to analyse these galaxies’ features and discover more about the events that led to their development by seeing them through the infrared.

Also, the JWST will be capable of investigating how stars and planetary systems develop inside our own galaxy. The JWST will be able to review the early phases of star formation and the mechanisms that resulted in the creation of planets by studying the infrared light emitted by protostars. The telescope will also be willing to examine exoplanet atmospheres and search for indications of habitability, such as the presence of water ice and other gases that could signal to the living things.

Conclusion

A ground-breaking project, the James Webb Space Telescope has the ability to completely alter how we view the universe. The JWST will be able to study the formation of galaxies, stars, and planetary systems while searching for proof of life on exoplanets by studying the cosmos in the infrared.