We can learn a lot from the early photographs taken by JWST, but what exactly has it taught us? The JWST has released its first images, and they show what it’s capable of. There’s a lot of excitement from astrophysicists surrounding the telescope’s capabilities, and they’re now trying to figure out how to apply it to their research.
Webb will be able to observe planets in or beyond Mars’ orbit, as well as satellites, comets, asteroids, and Kuiper belt objects. Many important molecules, ices, and minerals have distinct signatures at the wavelengths that Webb can detect. Additionally, Webb will monitor the weather patterns of planets and their moons.
Webb’s science operations begin with the release of its first full-color images and spectra, where astronomers will have the chance to observe anything from objects within our solar system to the early universe.
The James Webb Space Telescope is an international program led by NASA with the support of the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency.
How will the James Webb Telescope help scientists?
Scientists will use Webb’s cameras to “time-travel” back to when the earliest galaxies were forming right after the Big Bang.
Webb contains two tools that will allow scientists to unravel the wavelengths of infrared signals from solar systems beyond our planet – intertwining the colors of the infrared rainbow.
Scientists can see the birthplaces of stars with infrared light, which can penetrate through dust better than visible light. This allows scientists to see how stars form in clusters and how planets form around stars.
Scientists use X-ray telescopes to study the physics of black holes. Still, Webb’s infrared instruments will allow them to see the temperatures, speeds, and chemical compositions of the stellar cloaks of black holes.
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