The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a big step forward in how we look at space. It stands out when compared to its older cousin, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Both telescopes work to reveal the secrets of the universe, but JWST has some cool new features that make it even better.
1. Big Mirror:
One of the first things you notice about JWST is its huge primary mirror. It’s 6.5 meters wide! That’s much bigger than Hubble’s 2.4-meter mirror.
JWST’s mirror is made up of 18 smaller hexagonal pieces. This design helps it gather more light, which means it can show us clearer images. The larger mirror can even spot fainter objects and pick up more details.
2. Looking in Infrared:
Unlike Hubble, which mostly looks at ultraviolet and visible light, JWST is built to see infrared light. This ability lets it look through thick clouds of cosmic dust and see stars and galaxies that are usually hidden from view.
For example, JWST can watch how stars are formed and how planets develop in areas packed with dust. This helps us learn about how our own Solar System started.
3. Sunshield:
JWST has a special five-layer sunshield that’s about the size of a tennis court. This shield keeps the telescope cool by blocking out the Sun's heat. Staying cold is very important for JWST to work well with infrared light.
Hubble doesn’t have something like this, which can stop it from exploring certain areas of space.
4. Smart Tools:
JWST comes with four special tools to help scientists gather information:
These tools work together to help astronomers explore the early universe, study exoplanet atmospheres, and look at faraway galaxies with incredible detail.
What We Expect from JWST:
People believe that JWST will make a huge difference in several areas of astronomy. This includes studying the early universe, how stars are formed, and understanding exoplanets.
With its ability to give us clearer and deeper views than ever before, JWST will change how we understand the universe.
In short, the James Webb Space Telescope uses amazing new technology that opens up the possibility of discovering cosmic secrets that Hubble and other telescopes could only imagine.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a big step forward in how we look at space. It stands out when compared to its older cousin, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Both telescopes work to reveal the secrets of the universe, but JWST has some cool new features that make it even better.
1. Big Mirror:
One of the first things you notice about JWST is its huge primary mirror. It’s 6.5 meters wide! That’s much bigger than Hubble’s 2.4-meter mirror.
JWST’s mirror is made up of 18 smaller hexagonal pieces. This design helps it gather more light, which means it can show us clearer images. The larger mirror can even spot fainter objects and pick up more details.
2. Looking in Infrared:
Unlike Hubble, which mostly looks at ultraviolet and visible light, JWST is built to see infrared light. This ability lets it look through thick clouds of cosmic dust and see stars and galaxies that are usually hidden from view.
For example, JWST can watch how stars are formed and how planets develop in areas packed with dust. This helps us learn about how our own Solar System started.
3. Sunshield:
JWST has a special five-layer sunshield that’s about the size of a tennis court. This shield keeps the telescope cool by blocking out the Sun's heat. Staying cold is very important for JWST to work well with infrared light.
Hubble doesn’t have something like this, which can stop it from exploring certain areas of space.
4. Smart Tools:
JWST comes with four special tools to help scientists gather information:
These tools work together to help astronomers explore the early universe, study exoplanet atmospheres, and look at faraway galaxies with incredible detail.
What We Expect from JWST:
People believe that JWST will make a huge difference in several areas of astronomy. This includes studying the early universe, how stars are formed, and understanding exoplanets.
With its ability to give us clearer and deeper views than ever before, JWST will change how we understand the universe.
In short, the James Webb Space Telescope uses amazing new technology that opens up the possibility of discovering cosmic secrets that Hubble and other telescopes could only imagine.