JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE Meaning and
Definition
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The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is an ambitious, cutting-edge space observatory designed to succeed and expand upon the capabilities of the iconic Hubble Space Telescope. Named after James E. Webb, the influential NASA administrator who passionately supported scientific exploration in the 1960s, the JWST is a joint project involving NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). With a primary focus on infrared astronomy, this state-of-the-art telescope aims to unravel many unanswered questions about our universe, enhance our understanding of how galaxies formed and evolved, study the formation of stars and planetary systems, and potentially detect signs of life on other planets.
Measuring approximately 20 meters in length, the JWST is notably larger than the Hubble Space Telescope and is equipped with advanced technologies to capture faint and distant objects with enhanced resolution and sensitivity. It features a segmented primary mirror, composed of 18 hexagonal-shaped mirror segments that unfold in space, providing a much larger light-gathering area. The telescope's suite of scientific instruments includes cameras, spectrometers, and coronagraphs, specifically designed to detect infrared light across a broad range of wavelengths.
The James Webb Space Telescope is set to operate at the second Lagrange point (L2), about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, ensuring minimal interference from both Earth's atmospheric effects and its own thermal emissions. It is anticipated that the JWST will revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos and provide astronomers with unparalleled insights into the mysteries of the universe.
