Language
Country/Area
No result found
The Mystery of the Webb Telescope: How Does It Observe Distant Galaxies?
Since the successful launch of the Webber Telescope (JWST) at the end of 2021, this telescope, known as the "Giant in Space", has begun to reveal the mysteries of the universe. As the largest space telescope ever built, Webb has unparalleled observational capabilities, especially in the infrared. So, how does the Webb Telescope use its advanced technology to penetrate the veil of time and observe those galaxies that are far away from the earth and have weak light?
Webb can observe a much wider range than Hubble and can detect objects 100 times fainter than Hubble.
Design and technology of the Webb telescope
The main mirror of the Webb telescope has a diameter of 6.5 meters and is composed of 18 hexagonal lenses, which gives it a light collection area of approximately 25 square meters, which is more than six times larger than Hubble’s 4 square meters. collection ability. This design not only allows Webb to collect more light, but also maintains good image sharpness when observing distant objects.
Webb's operating range includes long-wavelength visible light and mid-infrared light (0.6 to 28.5 μm), which allows it to observe the formation of planets and galaxies in the earlier universe.
The ability to observe distant galaxies
The long-wavelength observation capabilities of the Webb Telescope make it an important tool for observing the early universe. It can be traced back to about 1.8 billion light-years ago at a redshift of z≈20, a period shortly before the formation of life. This observational capability is critical to understanding the formation and development of galaxies.
Webb can penetrate dust clouds in the universe, making it easier to observe stars and planets that were hidden in the past.
Webber’s running location and environment
Webb operates at the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point about 1.5 million kilometers away from the Earth. This position can not only effectively avoid the shadow influence of the Earth and the Moon, but also continuously and stably receive energy. This means Webb can maintain its operating temperature below 50K for long periods of time, which is crucial for infrared observations.
Weber's five-layer solar shield
To maintain this low temperature, Weber designed a large, five-layer solar shield made of material as thin as a human hair. These layers not only reduce heat from the sun, but also prevent thermal radiation from the earth and moon, maintaining the stability of the components, which is undoubtedly the cornerstone of its powerful observation capabilities.
Equipment of scientific instruments
Webb is equipped with four advanced scientific instruments, namely NIRCam, NIRSpec, MIRI and FGS/NIRISS. Each instrument has its own unique observation capabilities. This allows Webb to perform imaging and spectroscopic analysis at different wavelengths, including observations of exoplanets and other faint objects.
The precision design of these instruments not only provides clear images, but also effectively distinguishes faint starlight from background noise, which is crucial for exploring signs of the early universe.
Future Prospects of the Webb Telescope
With the operation of the Webb telescope, scientists expect to discover many new types of celestial objects, and may even reveal the process of planet formation and the "origin of life." With many observing projects proposed, Webb's observational data will shape astronomical research for decades and generations to come.
Webb's mission is not only to find the magnificent pictures in the universe, but also to continue to reveal the origin and evolution of our universe. In this mysterious space exploration, how will Webber advance our understanding of the universe and trigger new thinking?
