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Webb Space Telescope - Features, Launch Date, and Comparision
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The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is an extraordinary scientific instrument designed to unravel the secrets of the cosmos. Set to launch on 25 December 2021, this groundbreaking telescope is a collaborative effort led by NASA, aiming to push the boundaries of space exploration. Named after James Webb, a former NASA administrator, this revolutionary telescope promises to revolutionize our understanding of the universe.
is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the Science and technology subject in the General Studies Paper-3 syllabus.
Features of the Webb Space Telescope
Here are the main features of the James Webb Space Telescope:
It has a large primary mirror that is 6.5 meters in diameter, much larger than the Hubble Space Telescope's 2.4 meter mirror. This allows it to collect more light and observe fainter and more distant objects.
It operates mainly in the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum, from 0.6 to 28 micrometers. This allows it to peer through dust clouds that block visible light.
It is designed to observe some of the very first stars and galaxies that formed after the Big Bang, about 13.4 billion years ago. It can potentially detect light from the first 100-200 million years of the universe.
Its operating temperature will be extremely cold, around -380 F. This is needed to reduce infrared noise and achieve high sensitivity. The telescope uses a large sunshield and a cooling system to achieve this temperature.
It has four instruments on board for different purposes - cameras, spectrometers and coronagraphs to conduct a variety of astronomical observations.
It is located in orbit around the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point, which is about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. This stable orbit allows the telescope to remain cool and provide a stable platform.
The Webb telescope is a collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency. It is the successor to the Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes.
Objectives of the Webb Space Telescope
Explore the first glows of the universe and how the first galaxies formed. The telescope will look for the very first stars and galaxies that formed after the Big Bang. This was about 100-200 million years after the universe started.
- Look inside dust clouds where stars and planetary systems are forming. The telescope can see through dust and locate planets being made. It will help us understand how stars and their planets are born.
- Study exoplanets, planets that orbit other stars. Webb will identify molecules on exoplanets and measure the temperature of their atmospheres. This can tell us if these planets could support life.
- Investigate the origins and evolution of our own solar system. The telescope can observe objects in the Kuiper Belt and other small bodies in our solar system. This will provide clues about how the planets in our solar system formed.
- Study the lifecycle of stars. Webb can observe stars from their birth to the end of their lives when they die and become things like white dwarfs or black holes. It will show us the steps stars go through during their lifetimes.
- Explore the lifecycle of gas and dust in our galaxy and others. The telescope will measure how much dust exists in different galaxies. The dust contains elements made inside stars, showing astronomers how elements spread throughout galaxies.
Comparison of the James Webb Space Telescope and the Hubble Space Telescope
The James Webb Space Telescope is designed to be significantly better than the Hubble Space Telescope in many ways:
Size
The Webb telescope's main mirror is 6.5 meters wide while Hubble's mirror is only 2.4 meters wide. This means Webb can collect more than six times as much light, allowing it to see fainter and more distant objects.
Wavelength
Webb mainly observes in the infrared wavelength while Hubble observes in visible and ultraviolet light. Infrared allows Webb to see through dust clouds that block visible light. This gives it access to view younger, more distant objects in the universe's history.
Function
Webb is designed to view the first stars and galaxies that formed after the Big Bang, about 13 billion years ago. Hubble can see around 13 billion light years away, while Webb may be able to see as far back as 13.5 billion light years. Webb will also study exoplanets and our solar system in more detail.
Temperature
Webb operates at a much colder temperature around -380 Fahrenheit. This extremely cold temperature is needed for its infrared data. Hubble operates at around -280 Fahrenheit. The colder temperature allows Webb to detect faint infrared signals.
Location
Webb orbits the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. This stable orbit keeps Webb cold and allows for longer observations. Hubble orbits Earth at about 340 miles high and has a limited view time.
Comparison of the James Webb Space Telescope and the Herschel Space Observatory
The Herschel Space Observatory was a previous infrared telescope launched in 2009. While it had some similarities to the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope, there are also important differences:
Size
The Webb telescope's main mirror is 6.5 meters wide while Herschel's mirror was only 3.5 meters wide. This means Webb has around twice the light gathering power of Herschel, allowing it to see fainter and more distant objects.
Wavelength
Both telescopes observe mainly in the infrared range, but Webb can detect longer infrared wavelengths up to 28 micrometers. Herschel could only detect wavelengths up to about 640 nanometers. This allows Webb to observe cooler and more distant objects in the universe.
Temperature
Both telescopes operate at extremely cold temperatures. Herschel operated at around -457 Fahrenheit while Webb will operate even colder at around -380 Fahrenheit. These cold temperatures are needed to detect faint infrared light.
Function
While Herschel studied star and planet formation, and the dust between galaxies, Webb is designed to see even farther. Webb aims to observe the very first galaxies that formed after the Big Bang, around 13 billion years ago. It will also study exoplanets in more detail.
Life Span
Herschel had a limited life span of around 3.5 years before running out of coolant to keep it cold. Webb is designed to operate for at least 5 years, and possibly up to 10 years.
Prospects of the Webb Space Telescope
The launch of the JWST holds great promise for groundbreaking scientific discoveries. Scientists anticipate that the telescope will unveil new insights into the formation of galaxies, shedding light on the intricate processes that shaped our cosmos. Furthermore, the JWST's observations of exoplanets and their atmospheres offer a glimpse into the potential habitability of distant worlds. These discoveries have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe and inspire future generations of scientists and astronomers.
Conclusion
The James Webb Space Telescope represents a monumental leap in our quest to comprehend the cosmos. With its advanced technology, larger primary mirror, and specialized instruments, the JWST is poised to unlock the mysteries of the universe. By comparing its capabilities with the Hubble and Herschel observatories, we see how these telescopes work together to paint a comprehensive picture of the cosmos. As the JWST embarks on its journey, the prospects for scientific discoveries and the potential for transforming our understanding of the universe are truly awe-inspiring.
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James Webb Space Telescope FAQs
When is the launch date of the James Webb Space Telescope?
The James Webb Space Telescope is scheduled to launch on [Launch Date].
Who is James Webb, after whom the telescope is named?
James Webb was a former NASA administrator who played a significant role in shaping space exploration. The telescope is named in his honor to recognize his contributions to the field.
How does the James Webb Space Telescope differ from the Hubble Space Telescope?
The James Webb Space Telescope differs from the Hubble Space Telescope in several ways. It has a larger primary mirror, specializes in infrared observations, and can peer through cosmic dust clouds to capture clearer images of distant objects.
What are the objectives of the Webb Space Telescope?
The Webb Space Telescope has several objectives, including exploring the early universe, studying star formation and evolution, observing exoplanets and their atmospheres, and investigating the formation and evolution of galaxies.
How will the James Webb Space Telescope revolutionize astronomy?
The James Webb Space Telescope is expected to revolutionize astronomy by providing unprecedented insights into the universe. With its advanced technology and capabilities, it has the potential to uncover new discoveries, enhance our understanding of cosmic phenomena, and inspire future scientific breakthroughs.