James Webb Space Telescope

Infrared Explorer

The largest and most advanced infrared telescope, revolutionizing our view of the early universe and exoplanets.

James Webb Space Telescope
Current Status
Active
Mission Cost
$8.8B
Target Object
Early Galaxies
Launch Date
2021-12-25
Orbit
L2 Lagrange Point (1.5 million km)
Agency
NASA/ESA/CSA

USPs

  • 6.5-meter gold-coated segmented mirror for unprecedented infrared sensitivity
  • Observes the first galaxies, star formation, and exoplanet atmospheres
  • Stable, cold environment at L2 for optimal infrared performance
  • Advanced sunshield blocks solar radiation, keeping instruments below -223°C
  • Foldable design for compact launch and large deployment in space
  • Four cutting-edge instruments: NIRCam, NIRSpec, MIRI, FGS/NIRISS
  • Can detect water, methane, and carbon dioxide in exoplanet atmospheres
  • First telescope to directly image some of the earliest galaxies and study cosmic reionization
  • Supports synergy with Hubble, Roman, and ground-based observatories

Major Milestones

  • 2021-12-25: Launched from French Guiana aboard Ariane 5, beginning its journey to L2.
  • 2022-01-24: Arrived at L2, completing a complex deployment sequence including sunshield and mirror unfolding.
  • 2022-01-08: Fully deployed all 18 primary mirror segments and secondary mirror, enabling high-resolution infrared imaging.
  • 2022-03-16: Achieved precise alignment of mirror segments, focusing on a single star for calibration.
  • 2022-07-11: Released first full-color science images, including the deepest infrared image of the universe, the SMACS 0723 cluster.
  • 2022-07-12: Began science operations, revealing new details of distant galaxies, nebulae, and exoplanets.
  • 2022-09-01: Captured first direct image of exoplanet HIP 65426 b, demonstrating advanced coronagraphy.
  • 2022-10-19: Imaged the Pillars of Creation and Neptune’s rings, providing new insights into star formation and planetary systems.
  • 2023-01-25: Discovered exoplanet LHS 475 b, advancing atmospheric studies with NIRSpec.
  • 2024-06: Detected organic molecules in distant galaxies, contributing to research on cosmic evolution.
  • 2025-07-12: Celebrated third anniversary, releasing new images of the Cat’s Paw Nebula and Bullet Cluster, deepening understanding of dark matter and star formation.

Cosmic Portrait

James Webb Space Telescope: Peering into the Cosmic Dawn

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the world’s most powerful and advanced infrared observatory, launched in December 2021 by NASA, ESA, and CSA. JWST orbits the Sun at the L2 Lagrange Point, 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, providing a stable, cold environment essential for sensitive infrared observations. Its 6.5-meter gold-coated segmented mirror is over 2.5 times larger than Hubble’s, enabling JWST to collect faint light from the earliest galaxies and distant exoplanets.

JWST’s four state-of-the-art instruments—NIRCam, NIRSpec, MIRI, and FGS/NIRISS—allow astronomers to study the universe’s first stars and galaxies, the formation of planetary systems, and the atmospheres of exoplanets. Its advanced sunshield blocks solar radiation, keeping instruments at cryogenic temperatures below -223°C, crucial for detecting infrared signals.

Key Discoveries and Scientific Impact

  • Cosmic Origins: JWST observes galaxies formed just 200 million years after the Big Bang, shedding light on cosmic reionization and galaxy evolution.
  • Exoplanet Atmospheres: The telescope analyzes the chemical composition of exoplanet atmospheres, detecting water, methane, and carbon dioxide, and searching for signs of habitability.
  • Star and Planet Formation: JWST images stellar nurseries like the Pillars of Creation, revealing how stars and planets form in dust clouds.
  • Dark Matter and Cosmic Structure: Recent images of the Bullet Cluster and Cat’s Paw Nebula advance our understanding of dark matter and star formation processes.

Technological Innovations

  • Foldable mirror and sunshield for compact launch and large deployment
  • Precision alignment and wavefront sensing for sharp imaging
  • Synergy with Hubble, Roman, and ground-based telescopes for multi-wavelength studies

Ongoing Legacy

JWST continues to reshape our understanding of the universe. From revealing ancient galaxies near the cosmic dawn to decoding the atmospheres of distant exoplanets, its discoveries are opening new frontiers in astronomy. As research deepens, JWST remains at the forefront of space exploration, inspiring scientists and the public alike with its breathtaking images and groundbreaking science.

Fun Fact

JWST can see light from galaxies formed just 200 million years after the Big Bang!