Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much 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? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? (250 words) [2022]
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a space telescope that was launched on 25th December, 2021. It is a successor to the Hubble Space Telescope and is designed to study a wide range of astronomical objects, including distant galaxies, exoplanets, and the early universe.
Some of the unique features of the JWST that make it superior to its predecessor space telescopes include:
- Its large primary mirror: The JWST has a primary mirror that is 6.5 meters (21 feet) in diameter, making it much larger than the Hubble Space Telescope’s 2.4-meter (7.9-foot) mirror. This allows the JWST to collect more light and study objects that are much farther away and dimmer than those studied by the Hubble.
- Its ability to study the infrared spectrum: The JWST is equipped with a suite of instruments that can study the infrared spectrum, which allows it to detect objects that are too cold or too far away to be seen in visible light. This makes it ideal for studying the early universe and distant galaxies.
- Its ability to study exoplanets: The JWST is equipped with a coronagraph, which is a device that can block out the light from a star, allowing astronomers to study the light coming from exoplanets orbiting the star. This will allow scientists to study the atmospheres of exoplanets and search for signs of life.
The key goals of the JWST mission are to study the formation and evolution of galaxies, study the atmospheres of exoplanets, and search for signs of life.
The potential benefits of the JWST for the human race are numerous. By studying the early universe and distant galaxies, scientists will be able to learn more about the history and evolution of the universe and how it formed. By studying exoplanets and searching for signs of life, scientists will be able to learn more about the potential for life to exist elsewhere in the universe and the conditions that are necessary for life to thrive. In addition, the JWST will help scientists understand more about the fundamental laws of physics and the nature of the universe.
