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James Webb Telescope Facts & Worksheets

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a large, space-based observatory that is set to be the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope.

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The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a large, space-based observatory that is set to be the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope.

See the fact file below for more information about the James Webb Telescope, or you can download our 24-page James Webb Telescope worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

HISTORY OF THE JAMES WEBB

  • The history of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) dates back several decades and involves a series of developments, challenges, and milestones. Here’s a brief overview:
  • Early Concepts (1989-1996): The idea for a successor to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) with improved infrared capabilities was first proposed in the late 1980s. In 1996, the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) was renamed the James Webb Space Telescope in honor of James E. Webb, who played a significant role in NASA’s early space programs.
  • Planning and Design (1996-2002): NASA, along with international partners, began planning the design and capabilities of the JWST. 
  • The telescope was envisioned to have a large primary mirror to gather more light and specialized instruments to observe in the infrared spectrum.
  • Project Approval (2002): In 2002, the JWST project received formal approval from NASA to move forward. 
  • The project was deemed a top priority in astrophysics and was intended to address key scientific questions, such as the formation of the first galaxies and the study of exoplanet atmospheres.
  • International Collaboration (2002-2010):  The development of the JWST involved collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Each agency contributed key components to the telescope.
  • Technical Challenges and Delays (2010s): The JWST project faced numerous technical challenges, including the development of its large, segmented mirror and the intricate deployment of its sunshield. 
  • These challenges contributed to several delays in the project’s timeline, leading to increased costs and concerns about its completion.
  • Construction and Testing (2015-2020): The construction and testing of the JWST took place over several years, with the telescope undergoing rigorous testing to ensure it could withstand the harsh conditions of space. 
  • The telescope’s primary mirror, consisting of 18 hexagonal segments, was a critical component that had to be precisely aligned.
  • Launch Preparations (2021): The James Webb Space Telescope was scheduled for launch on December 18, 2021, using an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana. The launch would mark the beginning of its journey to the second Lagrange point (L2), where it would begin its scientific observations.
  • Launch and Deployment (December 2021): The JWST was successfully launched on December 18, 2021, and it embarked on a month-long journey to reach its final destination at the second Lagrange point. The intricate process of deploying the telescope’s sunshield and aligning its instruments was expected to take several weeks.
  • The James Webb Space Telescope represents a significant milestone in space exploration and observational astronomy, with the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe across a wide range of scientific disciplines.

KEY ELEMENTS OF THE JAMES WEBB

  • The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a complex astronomical observatory designed to explore the universe in the infrared spectrum. Several key elements contribute to its capabilities and mission objectives:
  • Primary Mirror: The JWST features a large primary mirror composed of 18 hexagonal segments, each about 1.32 meters (4.3 feet) in diameter. The total area of the mirror is approximately 25 square meters, making it much larger than the Hubble Space Telescope’s mirror. This larger mirror allows the JWST to gather more light and achieve higher resolution.
  • Infrared Instruments: The telescope is equipped with a suite of scientific instruments optimized for infrared observations. These instruments include:
    • Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam): Provides imaging and spectroscopy in the near-infrared range, allowing for the study of the earliest galaxies, stars, and planets.
  • Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec): Offers high-resolution spectroscopy in the near-infrared, enabling the analysis of the chemical composition of distant objects.
  • Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI): Operates in the mid-infrared range and is crucial for studying the formation of stars and planetary systems, as well as the atmospheres of exoplanets.
  • Fine Guidance Sensor/Near InfraRed Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (FGS/NIRISS): Provides precise pointing control and also serves as a scientific instrument for various observations, including exoplanet studies.
  • Sunshield: The JWST is equipped with a five-layer sunshield that is about the size of a tennis court. This sunshield protects the telescope’s sensitive instruments from the Sun’s heat and light, allowing it to cool down to extremely low temperatures (around 40 Kelvin or -233 degrees Celsius). 
  • Maintaining these low temperatures is crucial for the telescope’s infrared observations, as it reduces thermal interference.
  • Deployment Mechanisms: The telescope has a series of intricate deployment mechanisms to unfold and position its various components in space. This includes the deployment of the sunshield, the unfolding of the primary mirror segments, and the proper positioning of the scientific instruments.
  • Location at L2 Lagrange Point: The JWST is positioned at the second Lagrange point (L2), located about 1.5 million kilometers (about 930,000 miles) from Earth. 
  • At this point, the gravitational forces of the Earth and Sun balance, providing a stable environment for the telescope. This location allows for continuous and uninterrupted observations of the same region of the sky.
  • International Collaboration: The James Webb Space Telescope is a collaborative effort involving NASA (United States), the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Each agency has contributed key components and expertise to the project.
  • These key elements collectively enable the JWST to carry out a wide range of groundbreaking observations, including studying the formation of the first galaxies, investigating the atmospheres of exoplanets, and exploring various astrophysical phenomena in the infrared spectrum.

WEBB versus HUBBLE TELESCOPE

  • The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) represent two remarkable instruments that have significantly advanced our understanding of the universe, yet they differ in key aspects. The Hubble, with its smaller 2.4-meter mirror, operates primarily in visible and ultraviolet light, and its location in low Earth orbit has allowed for periodic servicing missions.
  • Over the years, Hubble has delivered stunning images and crucial data across a broad range of astronomical studies. In contrast, the JWST boasts a much larger 6.5-meter mirror designed for infrared observations, positioning it at the second Lagrange point (L2) for optimal stability and shielding from the Sun and Earth.
  • Equipped with a five-layer sunshield, the JWST can cool down to extremely low temperatures, enabling it to explore the universe in the infrared spectrum.
  •  While Hubble has been instrumental in our exploration of the cosmos, the JWST’s advanced capabilities in the infrared promise to unveil new insights into the formation of galaxies, the early universe, and the study of exoplanets.
  • Together, these telescopes contribute complementary perspectives, enriching our comprehensive view of the cosmos.

James Webb Telescope Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the James Webb Telescope across 24 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the James Webb Telescope. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a large, space-based observatory that is set to be the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. James Webb Telescope Facts
  2. Webb’s Journey
  3. James E. Webb
  4. Captured in Space
  5. The First Image
  6. Webb of Galaxies
  7. Super Distant Star
  8. 2023 Discoveries
  9. Captured in 2024 and Beyond…
  10. Webb of Wonders
  11. Are We Ready

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)?

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a large, space-based observatory developed by NASA, in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). It is designed to be the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope and is intended to revolutionize our understanding of the universe by observing celestial objects in infrared wavelengths.

What are the main objectives of the James Webb Telescope?

The JWST aims to address several key scientific questions, including the formation of the first galaxies, the evolution of galaxies over cosmic time, the formation of stars and planetary systems, and the potential for habitable exoplanets around other stars. Additionally, it will study the atmospheres of exoplanets, enabling scientists to search for signs of habitability and even signs of life.

How does the James Webb Telescope differ from the Hubble Space Telescope?

While both telescopes are space-based observatories operated by NASA, they differ significantly in their design and capabilities. The JWST primarily observes in the infrared spectrum, while Hubble observes in visible, ultraviolet, and near-infrared wavelengths. Additionally, JWST has a larger primary mirror, allowing it to collect more light and observe fainter objects than Hubble. Furthermore, JWST operates at a much colder temperature to minimize its own infrared emissions, whereas Hubble operates at near room temperature.

What are some of the technical challenges faced during the construction and launch of the James Webb Telescope?

The construction of the JWST faced numerous technical challenges, including the development of its large, segmented primary mirror, the deployment of its sunshield, and the integration of its complex instruments. Additionally, the telescope’s size and weight posed challenges for its transportation and launch into space. Furthermore, the project faced budgetary and scheduling issues, leading to delays and increased costs.

What are the expected contributions of the James Webb Telescope to our understanding of the universe?

The JWST is expected to make significant contributions to a wide range of astronomical fields. It will provide insights into the formation and evolution of galaxies, stars, and planetary systems, shedding light on fundamental questions about the origins of the universe. Additionally, it will enable detailed studies of exoplanets, potentially identifying habitable worlds and searching for signs of life beyond our solar system. Overall, the JWST promises to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos and our place within it.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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