The launch of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has unlocked endless possibilities when it comes to our knowledge of our galaxy and beyond. While questions have been raised about the amount of money invested into the project, the 10 billion USD price tag has paid off, as the telescope has already captured breath-taking images of our universe while also observing vital data just eight months after its launch. But how exactly is the JWST different from its predecessor, the Hubble, and what is so special about it?

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While the Hubble Space Telescope primarily sees UV rays and visible light, the JWST utilises unique cameras that use infrared rays, which could allow us to observe the inside of stars and systems obstructed by clouds of gas. Infrared rays have a longer wavelength than UV rays and visible light, meaning that if both telescopes were to observe the same object, the JWST would produce an image of much higher quality. In a nutshell, every type of wave (radio, gamma, etc.) has a different wavelength, and the waves that were emitted by the first ever stars reach us in infrared form, which means the JWST is more capable of observing them compared to the Hubble.

 

Equipped with high-tech cameras, sensors, and 18 mirrors, the telescope is so powerful that it can look back at the aftermath of the Big Bang and the very first objects that formed after the universe cooled down. By analysing some of the first galaxies and stars that formed, scientists will be able to gain a better understanding of the birth of the universe. The telescope has already captured high-quality, breath-taking images of various nebulas as well as Jupiter; these new images not only contain valuable data, but they also show how far technology has progressed when compared to older Hubble images.

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All these features, when combined, will help the scientific community image exoplanets and identify possible replacements for our planet. While it is a rather pessimistic approach, organisations such as NASA have begun to identify exoplanets in other solar systems, such as Kepler-452b, which is similar to the Earth in many ways. As recently as August 24th, 2022, the telescope observed WASP-39 b, and was able to analyse the atmosphere, which consisted of carbon dioxide.

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Our generation is lucky to be living in a time of such innovation. The JWST is a symbol of hope and proof of what society can accomplish when working together. Thousands of little children and teenagers will glance at the images captured by the telescope, and maybe, just maybe, will get inspired to join the cause.  The telescope is far more powerful than any made in the past and has endless potential. Not only will we be able to answer fundamental questions about the creation of the universe, but who knows? Perhaps there is an exoplanet out there, waiting for us as our planet's timer continues to tick.

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Written by: Adhiraaj Yadav

Edited by: Vidhi Channa

Designed by: Chinmayi Gaur