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: 

James Webb Space Telescope: Features, Goals, and Benefits for Humanity

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), launched on December 25, 2021, represents a significant leap in space observation technology. Its unique features make it superior to predecessor telescopes like Hubble in several ways:

• Larger primary mirror: At 6.5 meters, it’s nearly three times the size of Hubble’s 2.4-meter mirror, allowing for greater light collection and higher resolution imaging.

• Advanced infrared capabilities: JWST can peer through cosmic dust and observe distant, cooler objects (e.g., early galaxies, exoplanets).

• Innovative sun shield: A tennis court-sized, five-layer shield protects the telescope from solar heat and light, enabling unprecedented sensitivity.

• Strategic orbit: Positioned at the L2 Lagrange point, 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, it provides uninterrupted viewing of the cosmos.

The key goals of the JWST mission are:

1. Study the early universe: Observe the first galaxies formed after the Big Bang, shedding light on cosmic dawn.

2. Investigate galaxy evolution: Examine how galaxies change over billions of years, from early formation to present-day structures.

3. Explore star and planet formation: Peer into stellar nurseries and protoplanetary disks to understand how stars and planets are born.

4. Analyze exoplanets: Characterize atmospheres of distant worlds, searching for potential biosignatures and habitability markers.

The potential benefits for humanity are far-reaching:

• Deeper understanding of our cosmic origins, potentially answering fundamental questions about the universe’s beginnings.

• Insights into the formation of habitable planets, guiding future exoplanet exploration and the search for extraterrestrial life.

• Technological advancements in optics, materials science, and space engineering, with potential applications in various fields (e.g., medical imaging, telecommunications).

• Inspiration for future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers, fostering innovation and discovery.

Conclusion: JWST promises groundbreaking discoveries, expanding our knowledge of the cosmos and potentially revolutionizing our understanding of our place in the universe.