BLUF

The James Webb space telescope is a quantum technological leap allowing astronomers to examine much more of the universe.

Summary

The James Webb space telescope is the world’s most powerful. Soon it will be ready to start work. Key points:

  • In orbit a million miles from Earth.
  • $10bn cost.
  • Launched folded inside an Ariane 5 rocket.
  • The space observatory’s 6.5-metre gold plated mirrors still need alignment and infrared detectors chilling.
  • Observations should begin in June.
  • Should enable astronomers to peer back to when the first stars and galaxies were forming 13.7bn years ago-close to the Big Bang.
  • Looking for extraterrestrial life.
  • Has a tennis-court-sized sun shield.
  • Too far from the earth for emergency repairs.
  • Replaces the Hubble telescope, but only looking at infrared radiation.
  • The life span of more than 10 years.
  • European and Canadian space agencies are involved.
  • Worth noting and remembering the following:
  • Operating above Earth’s distorting atmosphere allows clearer, and more distant, research.
Learn more about the role of the James Webb Space Telescope.

References

Recent Runway Posts related to this topic:

References from the Web:

Source Information: Guardian The