(Photo: nasa.gov)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The knowledge gained from JWST will inspire future generations of scientists and engineers, encouraging them to explore and understand the universe.
Building JWST pushed the boundaries of technology, leading to advancements that can be applied in other fields, from medical imaging to environmental monitoring.
JWST's observations could challenge existing theories and lead to new breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe.
The development and operation of JWST involves collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).