Discover what exist in the universe
Understanding Cosmic Scale Examining the vastness of the universe reveals a spectrum from the infinitesimal to the immense. At the smallest scale, subatomic particles like quarks compose protons and neutrons, with sizes less than 10-15 meters. The theoretical Planck length at 10-33 meters marks the limit of our current understanding. […]
Discovery and Nature of Dark Energy The discovery of dark energy in 1998 revolutionized our understanding of the universe. Observations of Type Ia supernovae revealed an accelerating cosmic expansion, leading to the Nobel Prize-winning conclusion that an unknown force, dubbed dark energy, was at work. This enigmatic phenomenon accounts for […]
Design and Construction The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a marvel of space engineering, featuring a 21-foot foldable mirror composed of 18 hexagonal segments. This ingenious design allows the telescope to fit into a rocket for launch before unfolding in space. The mirror segments are made from beryllium, a […]
Innovative Design and Engineering The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) showcases cutting-edge design and engineering, revolutionizing our approach to observing the cosmos. Its standout feature is the large segmented mirror, spanning 6.5 meters in diameter and composed of 18 hexagonal segments. This mirror functions as a giant eye, gathering light […]
Exoplanet Atmosphere Analysis The James Webb Space Telescope examines the atmospheres of distant exoplanets, searching for potential signs of life. It analyzes starlight passing through these atmospheres, looking for chemical signatures. When a planet crosses between its star and the telescope, light filters through the atmosphere, and specific gases absorb […]
Sunshield Design and Function The James Webb Telescope's sunshield is an engineering marvel that keeps the telescope cool. Stretching to the size of a 20-car parking lot, this sunshade blocks heat and light from the Sun, Moon, and Earth. It consists of five layers, each no thicker than plastic wrap. […]
Design and Structure The James Webb Space Telescope's primary mirror is a marvel of engineering, composed of 18 hexagonal segments that assemble into a large optical surface after unfolding in space. Each segment is an aspheric freeform, designed to maximize optical performance. Made from gold-plated optical-grade beryllium, the segments are: […]
The Significance of Lagrange Point L2 The James Webb Space Telescope occupies a strategic position in space—Lagrange Point 2 (L2). Located approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, L2 offers a balance of gravitational forces from both the Earth and the Sun. This positioning provides several advantages for the telescope's operation: […]
Naming Controversy The James Webb Space Telescope faces ongoing controversy over its namesake. Critics allege that James Webb, NASA's second administrator, was complicit in discriminatory practices against LGBTQ individuals during his leadership roles in the 1950s and 1960s. Key points of contention include: NASA conducted an internal review of historical […]
Early Development of JWST The James Webb Space Telescope's origins trace back to the Space Telescope Science Institute in the late 1980s. Inspired by Riccardo Giacconi's challenge, scientists envisioned a successor to the Hubble Space Telescope that could observe infrared light. A 1989 workshop, "The Next Generation: A 10 m […]
