Why Did NASA Spend $10 Billion To Build James Webb? (Photo: nasa.gov)
Published by: Kiran Singh
Image Source: NASA
James Webb Space Telescope
One of NASA's most ambitious projects, it took over 20 years and $10 billion to build. Now, it is capturing images of the first stars formed over 13 billion years ago. Read on to know why NASA spent $10 billion on it
Image Source: NASA
Unravelling the Universe's History
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) can help us understand how the universe evolved from the Big Bang to the formation of stars, galaxies, and life.
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Infrared Vision:
JWST operates in the infrared spectrum, allowing it to see through cosmic dust and observe objects too faint or distant for visible light telescopes. This lets it view the earliest stages of the cosmos.
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Probing Exoplanets
JWST will study exoplanet atmospheres, searching for signs of life. By detecting gases like oxygen and methane, it could identify planets that may harbour life beyond Earth.
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Potential Alien Artefacts
While a long shot, JWST might discover evidence of advanced civilisations. It could detect large-scale structures built by intelligent beings, providing insights into the existence of extraterrestrial life.
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Philosophical Impact
Just as Copernicus revolutionised our understanding of our place in the universe, JWST could have a profound impact on our perception of humanity's significance in the cosmos.
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Inspiring Future Generations
The knowledge gained from JWST will inspire future generations of scientists and engineers, encouraging them to explore and understand the universe.
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Technological Advancements
Building JWST pushed the boundaries of technology, leading to advancements that can be applied in other fields, from medical imaging to environmental monitoring.
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Enhancing Physics
JWST's observations could challenge existing theories and lead to new breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe.
Image Source: NASA
Global Collaboration
The development and operation of JWST involves collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).