By Rache Lau and Ananiya Narmathan
It’s theorized that faster universe expansion rate is due to mysterious dark forces pulling galaxies apart. But, the observable universe is only so much. This dark force is known as “Dark Matter” and we know how much there is but we don’t know what it is. Well, the James Webb telescope is a $10 billion project launched by NASA on December 25 last year. The aim of this new innovation was to unveil the history of the universe after the Big Bang, planet formations and to study other space objects more in-depth. Compared to Hubble who observes the cosmos in optical and ultraviolet wavelengths, Webb uses infrared-light detection technology, allowing light to be emitted as matter interacts. This allows us to see the longer end of the red spectrum, hence allowing the study of some of the oldest stars and galaxies in the universe.
The James Webb Telescope has delivered the deepest and sharpest image of the distant universe that shocked the world. Therefore, giving everyone a chance to look past the Milky Way and explore the endless darkness of the universe.
The first picture taken by the telescope was released on a live stream on July 12, 2022, with a picture of the Carina Nebula and its iconic cliffs. However, due to a meteor impact, the plate mirror of the C3 section is left with permanent damages that cannot be undone. Although it was predicted, this impact could affect the performance of the telescope. Even though the engineers have planned for micrometeorites and much severe damage done to the telescope, the only hope for the telescope is for it to continue its planned 12-year-long mission in space. After all, this invention brought new visions and hopes about learning the secrets of the universe, thus advancing modern science and technology.
In the end, we wish the James Webb Space Telescope all the best as it continues its journey through space! Who knows what we’ll uncover now!
Sources:
Dobrijevic, Daisy. “NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope: The ultimate guide.” Space.com, 22 September 2022, https://www.space.com/21925-james-webb-space-telescope-jwst.html. Accessed 22 October 2022.
NASA. “FAQ Lite Webb Telescope/NASA.” James Webb Space Telescope, https://webb.nasa.gov/content/about/faqs/faqLite.html. Accessed 22 October 2022.
Specktor, Brandon. “NASA shares first images of meteor damage on James Webb Space Telescope.” Live Science, 19 July 2022, https://www.livescience.com/james-webb-space-telescope-micrometeoroid-picture. Accessed 22 October 2022.
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