The James Webb Space Telescope
The James Webb Space Telescope is a space observatory launched in December 2021, designed to observe the universe primarily in infrared light, providing unprecedented views of distant galaxies and exoplanets.
Positioned nearly a million miles from Earth to escape interfering heat and light, this space telescope has provided humanity's clearest views yet of galaxies formed in the universe's earliest history.
Observing in Infrared Light
The James Webb Space Telescope observes the universe primarily in infrared light, allowing it to peer through cosmic dust clouds that block visible light observation.
Positioned Far from Earth
The telescope operates from a position nearly one million miles from Earth, far beyond the Moon, to minimize interference from Earth's heat and light.
Revealing the Early Universe
The telescope has provided unprecedented views of some of the earliest galaxies formed after the Big Bang, significantly advancing understanding of the early universe.
Studying Exoplanet Atmospheres
The telescope's advanced instruments allow detailed study of exoplanet atmospheres, providing new insights into the composition and potential habitability of distant worlds.
