Q. 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 ? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race?

Model Answer: 

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a large, infrared telescope designed to study the first stars and galaxies that formed after the Big Bang. It is a joint project of NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Launched on December 25th, 2021, JWST has several unique features that make it superior to its predecessor space telescopes.

Unique Features of JWST:

Here are some of the key unique features of JWST:

Large Mirror: JWST has a large, segmented mirror that is 6.5 meters (21 feet) in diameter. This is more than two and a half times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope’s mirror, which is 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) in diameter. The larger mirror allows JWST to collect more light, which means it can observe fainter objects and see further back in time.

Infrared Capabilities: JWST is designed to observe in the infrared part of the spectrum, which is not visible to the human eye. Infrared light is emitted by cooler objects, such as planets, stars, and galaxies, and can penetrate dust clouds that block visible light. This allows JWST to study the early universe, distant galaxies, and nearby planets in more detail than previous telescopes.

Sunshield: JWST has a sunshield that is about the size of a tennis court. The sunshield protects the telescope from the heat of the Sun and keeps it at a very cold temperature (-233°C/-387°F). This is important because JWST’s infrared instruments need to be kept cold in order to work properly.

Key Goals:

The main goals of the JWST mission are:

Study the First Galaxies: JWST is designed to study the first galaxies that formed after the Big Bang, which are some of the most distant and oldest objects in the universe. By studying these galaxies, astronomers hope to learn more about the early universe, how galaxies formed and evolved, and the nature of dark matter and dark energy.

Search for Exoplanets: JWST is also designed to search for exoplanets, or planets that orbit stars other than our Sun. By observing the light from these planets, JWST can determine their composition, temperature, and even the presence of water and other molecules that could indicate the presence of life.

Study the Solar System: JWST will also study objects in our own solar system, including planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. By studying these objects, astronomers hope to learn more about the formation and evolution of the solar system, and the potential for life on other planets.

Potential Benefits:

JWST has the potential to make several important contributions to science and society:

Advances in Astronomy: By studying the early universe, distant galaxies, and nearby planets in more detail than previous telescopes, JWST has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe and our place in it.

New Technologies: The development of JWST has also led to new technologies and innovations that could have applications beyond astronomy, such as in medicine, communications, and manufacturing.

Inspiration and Education: JWST has captured the public’s imagination and has the potential to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers. Its discoveries could also have educational value, by teaching us about the universe and our place in it.

Conclusion:

The James Webb Space Telescope is a remarkable achievement in human technology and has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. Its unique features, key goals, and potential benefits make it an exciting addition to the field of astronomy and a source of inspiration for generations to come.