How will the James Webb Space telescope be able to see the baby galaxies?
Essentially, Hubble can see the equivalent of “toddler galaxies” and Webb Telescope will be able to see “baby galaxies”. One reason Webb will be able to see the first galaxies is because it is an infrared telescope. The universe (and thus the galaxies in it) is expanding.
How can the James Webb telescope see into the past?
Seeing the past Webb’s ability to detect distant stars and galaxies owes to the telescope’s infrared “eyes,” which probe beyond the range of human sight and beyond other telescopes, including Hubble, that see primarily visible light.
What will the James Webb telescope see first?
It is only at infrared wavelengths that we can see the first stars and galaxies forming after the Big Bang. And it is with infrared light that we can see stars and planetary systems forming inside clouds of dust that are opaque to visible light.
What is NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)?
Scientists hope JWST will help us better understand the Universe’s size and geometry, throwing light on dark matter and dark energy, and helping us understand the ultimate fate of the cosmos.
What will James Webb Look at the universe?
When Hubble was launched 30 years ago, it was the first space-based optical scope and has given us unprecedented views of the Universe. However, it looks at the optical, ultraviolet and near-infrared wavelength ranges. James Webb will look between visible red and mid-infrared light, peering much further back into the early Universe.
How far back can we see the early universe?
This can make distant objects very dim (or invisible) at visible wavelengths of light, because that light reaches us as infrared light. Webb will be able to see back to about 100 million – 250 million years after the Big Bang. But why do we need to see infrared light to understand the early universe?
How do engineers clean the James Webb space telescope’s mirrors?
Engineers clean a test telescope mirror for the James Webb Space Telescope by blasting carbon dioxide snow at it. This technique helps to avoid scratching the delicate surface. Credit: NASA/Chris Gunn