Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission?
1. JWST has a 6.5-metre segmented primary
JWST has a 6.5-metre segmented primary mirror of eighteen beryllium hexagons, giving far greater light-collecting power than Hubble.
2. It observes in the infrared
It observes in the infrared, unlike Hubble’s optical focus, letting it see through cosmic dust and capture red-shifted early light.
3. Operating at Sun-Earth L2
Operating at Sun-Earth L2, its tennis-court-sized sunshield keeps instruments near -233 degrees Celsius for sensitive infrared detection.
4. Unlike serviceable Hubble
Unlike serviceable Hubble, JWST unfolds itself in orbit and runs autonomously, enabling continuous observation without Earth’s shadow.
5. Key goal: observe the first galaxies
Key goal: observe the first galaxies and stars after the Big Bang, tracing the cosmic dawn and reionisation era.
6. It studies galaxy formation and evolution
It studies galaxy formation and evolution and the lifecycle of stars, including dust-obscured star-forming regions.
7. Transmission spectroscopy characterises exoplanet atmospheres
Transmission spectroscopy characterises exoplanet atmospheres, searching for water, biosignature gases and habitability conditions.
8. Deep surveys and gravitational lensing probe
Deep surveys and gravitational lensing probe the distribution of dark matter and dark energy across cosmic time.
Leave a Reply