The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which is set to launch on December 18, 2021, is described by famed astronomer Maggie Aderin-Pocock as a blend of “science and magic.” Aderin-Pocock, a well-known advocate for science education and space exploration, suggests that the JWST is one of the most ambitious and technically advanced telescopes ever built. She further believes it could potentially rewrite our understanding of the universe.
The JWST is a joint project of NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). It’s a space-based observatory that is planned to succeed the Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes. It is named after James E. Webb, who was an administrator at NASA from 1961 to 1968 and played a significant role in the Apollo moon landing program.
Aderin-Pocock explains that the JWST will be able to peer farther into the universe than ever before, potentially observing light from the first stars and galaxies that formed after the Big Bang. This is due to its highly sensitive infrared detectors and large primary mirror, which is about 2.7 times larger in diameter than Hubble’s.
One of the primary goals of the JWST is to explore exoplanets – planets that orbit stars outside our solar system. It will be capable of detecting atmospheric chemical compositions of these planets, which could provide clues about the potential for life. The telescope will also study the formation of stars and planets within our own galaxy.
The JWST is not without its challenges. It will be positioned about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, at a location known as the second Lagrange point (L2). This location allows the telescope to stay in line with the Earth as it orbits the sun, providing a stable environment for observations. However, this distance also means that if anything goes wrong, it would be impossible to send astronauts to fix it, as was done with the Hubble Space Telescope.
The telescope has also faced financial and schedule overruns, with its current price tag estimated at $10 billion and its launch date delayed by several years. However, despite these issues, anticipation for the JWST’s launch remains high among the scientific community.
Aderin-Pocock’s excitement about the JWST mirrors that of the broader astronomy community. She believes that the telescope could significantly enhance our understanding of the universe and inspire future generations to pursue careers in science and technology. This aligns with her broader advocacy for science education, where she has worked to make the field more accessible and inclusive.
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