The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) launched on December 25, 2021.

This amazing telescope is set to change how we understand the universe with its new technology and big goals.

Here are some important things about what JWST can do in astronomy:

Goals of JWST

1. Studying How Stars and Planets Form

   • JWST wants to look at areas in space where stars and planets are being born.
   • It does this using infrared light, which helps scientists see through the dust clouds that block regular telescopes.

2. Looking Back at the Early Universe

   • One big mission of JWST is to look back in time.
   • It will focus on the first galaxies that appeared after the Big Bang, about 13.5 billion years ago.
   • By doing this, scientists can learn about their makeup and how they formed.

3. Learning About Exoplanets

   • JWST will help us study exoplanets, especially their atmospheres.
   • It can examine the air around planets located in the habitable zone of their stars, which helps us understand if they could support life.

4. Exploring Galaxies Over Time

   • JWST will show us how galaxies change, from their beginnings to now.
   • By studying the light from these galaxies, scientists can find out their age, size, and how many stars they are making.

Technology of JWST

• Infrared Vision

  • Unlike older telescopes like Hubble that mostly see visible light, JWST mainly uses infrared.
  • This helps it spot cooler objects and different cosmic events, letting us see things we couldn't before.

• Big Mirror Size

  • JWST has a large mirror that is 6.5 meters wide, much bigger than Hubble's 2.4 meters.
  • This makes it better at collecting light, allowing it to see fainter objects more clearly.

• Sunshield

  • The telescope has a sunshield the size of a tennis court.
  • This shield keeps heat and light from the Sun, Earth, and Moon away, keeping JWST cool enough (below -223°C) for its sensitive observations.

Expected Contributions to Astronomy

1. More Discoveries

   • JWST is likely to find at least ten times more exoplanets than previous telescopes.
   • This opens up many new possibilities for studying life beyond our planet.

2. Studying Atmospheres

   • JWST can analyze the air on distant celestial bodies.
   • This helps identify key chemicals for life, like water vapor, oxygen, and methane.

3. Mapping Cosmic Change

   • With 100 times the sensitivity of Hubble, JWST will help us see how the universe has changed over time.
   • This will help link what happened in the past to what we see today.

Conclusion

In short, the James Webb Space Telescope is ready to help us learn much more about the universe.

With its amazing technology and wide range of goals, JWST is set to discover new and exciting things from the early universe to the search for exoplanets.