The universe has captivated the human imagination for thousands of years, with its vastness and complexity still unravelled by scientists and researchers today. And yet, as technology advances and our understanding of the universe expands, we are finally edging closer to unlocking its deepest secrets.
One of the most significant advancements in the field of space exploration set to transform our understanding of the universe is the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Often described as the successor to the famous Hubble Space Telescope, the JWST is poised to take our understanding of the universe to new heights.
The JWST is set to launch in October 2021 and will orbit around the Earth’s second Lagrange point, located about 1.5 million kilometres from Earth. This unique position will allow the telescope to observe the universe with unprecedented clarity in the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. This will enable the JWST to observe the formation of planets, galaxies and stars in unprecedented detail, and explore the origins of life in the universe.
The telescope is designed to be extremely sensitive, and it will be able to collect light from some of the earliest galaxies in the universe. This will give astronomers insights into the “dark ages” of the universe, a time when the universe was still young and mostly made up of hydrogen and helium.
The JWST will also allow scientists to study the atmospheres of exoplanets – planets outside our solar system that orbit other stars. This will enable astronomers to search for signs of habitability, looking for the presence of oxygen or methane, which are indicators of life.
One of the essential features of the JWST is its sunshield. The sunshield is made up of five layers and is about the size of a tennis court. It will protect the telescope from the heat of the sun, which can interfere with the sensitive instruments on board. The sunshield will also keep the telescope cool, allowing it to operate at optimal temperatures, and prolong its operational lifespan.
NASA predicts that the JWST could revolutionize our understanding of the universe, in a way that the Hubble Space Telescope did since it launched in 1990. The telescope’s capabilities could enable us to make groundbreaking discoveries in areas such as the formation of stars and galaxies, the origin of the solar system, and the search for habitable exoplanets.
With the launch of the JWST, scientists will have access to a powerful tool that has the potential to uncover many of the secrets of the universe. The telescope is set to operate for at least ten years, providing a wealth of information and opening up new avenues of exploration for generations to come. With its advanced technology and cutting-edge instruments, the JWST offers a bright future for both astronomers and space enthusiasts alike.