The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), also known as the Next Generation Space Telescope, is a space telescope under development by NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). It is set to be the premier observatory for the next decade of astronomy and will be the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope.
Key Features
- Large Mirror: The JWST will have a primary mirror 6.5 meters in diameter, making it the largest space telescope ever built.
- Infrared Vision: The telescope will be equipped with advanced instruments that can detect infrared light, allowing it to see objects that are too faint or cool to be seen in visible light.
- Deep Space Exploration: The JWST will be able to study distant galaxies, stars, planets, and even the early universe.
Why is it Important?
The JWST is expected to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. It will allow astronomers to:
- Study the formation of stars and planets.
- Explore the atmospheres of exoplanets.
- Look back to the early universe to understand its origins.
Image: JWST Mirror Segment
Learn More
For more information about the James Webb Space Telescope, please visit NASA's JWST website.