Telescopes have transformed our understanding of the universe. By magnifying the light from distant stars and galaxies, they let us peer into the cosmos and uncover secrets of space and time. Two of the most famous space telescopes, the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope, have brought the universe closer than ever before.
The Hubble Space Telescope
Launched in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope orbits Earth, capturing stunning images of distant galaxies, nebulae, and stars. It allows us to see both familiar sights like star clusters and mysterious objects like black holes. Some of Hubble’s most iconic discoveries include:
- The Age of the Universe: Hubble’s observations helped scientists estimate the universe’s age to be about 13.8 billion years (the Big Bang). GN-z11, one of the oldest galaxies discovered by Hubble, formed just 400 million years after the Big Bang.
- Expanding Universe: It provided evidence that the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate, thanks to mysterious dark energy.
- Exoplanets: Hubble has studied the atmospheres of planets outside our solar system, offering hints about where life might exist.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
Launched in December 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope is Hubble’s powerful successor. Its advanced technology which cost about $10 billion allows it to see even further back in time, to when the first galaxies formed more than 13.5 billion years ago. Recent discoveries by JWST include:
- Most Distant Galaxy: JWST has identified the farthest known galaxies, GLASS-z13 and JADES-GS-z14-0, around 300 million years after the Big Bang.
- Supernova Discoveries: The telescope has uncovered 10 times more distant supernovae than previously known.
- Complex Chemistry in Distant Worlds: JWST has detected water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane in the atmospheres of exoplanets, bringing scientists closer to identifying potentially habitable worlds.
How They’re Different
- Wavelengths: Hubble focuses on visible and ultraviolet light, while JWST specializes in infrared light, making it better at observing distant objects shrouded in cosmic dust.
- Size: JWST has a larger mirror (6.5 meters compared to Hubble’s 2.4 meters), allowing it to collect more light and observe fainter, more distant objects.
- Location: Hubble orbits Earth, while JWST orbits the Sun, positioned about 1.5 million kilometers away at a stable point called Lagrange Point 2.
Telescopes address fundamental questions about our origins and the possibility of life elsewhere. They inspire awe with every discovery and remind us of our place in the vast cosmos. The journey continues with every image and dataset, bringing us closer to understanding the universe’s mysteries.
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