Emma Choe

13 October 2022

STEM Level 1: James Webb Space Telescope

a. Emma Choe

b. James Webb Space Telescope

c. Laura Sparks from SRJC Astronomy/Physics

d. October 13, 2022

e. Summary of presentation:

During a STEM cafe event on October 13, 2022, I had the opportunity to attend a presentation by

Laura Sparks about the James Webb Space Telescope, which is a massive telescope located in

space. This telescope is a significant upgrade compared to its predecessors, boasting advanced

features such as enhanced color and the ability to focus mostly on infrared light. While objects

that emit infrared light, such as warm objects, can be detected by the telescope, infrared light can

interfere with the accuracy of the images captured. To prevent this, the telescope is kept at a

frigid -388 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows it to see a wide range of lights that are not detectable

by other telescopes, including infrared light that is very close to regular light and certain

wavelengths, and long wavelengths. Another interesting feature of the James Webb Space

Telescope is its ability to use spectroscopy to determine the chemical composition of objects it

observes, including exoplanets around other stars. This is particularly exciting because it allows

scientists to learn more about the formation and evolution of planetary systems. By analyzing the

amount of starlight that is blocked, the size of planets can also be determined. Furthermore, the

telescope can be used to observe distant galaxies through gravitational lensing, where the light is

bent and magnified. By studying these galaxies, scientists can gain insight into the evolution of
galaxies and the structure of the universe. Overall, the James Webb Space Telescope is a

groundbreaking tool that has the potential to uncover many mysteries of the universe.

f. Reflection:

An aspect that is particularly interesting about the James Webb Space Telescope is its ability to

use spectroscopy to determine the chemical composition of objects it observes, including

exoplanets around other stars. This is an exciting prospect because it could provide invaluable

information about the formation and evolution of planetary systems. By analyzing the amount of

starlight that is blocked, the size of planets can also be determined, which adds to our knowledge

of the universe. The ability of the telescope to observe distant galaxies through gravitational

lensing is another exciting feature. This technique, where the light is bent and magnified, allows

scientists to gain insight into the evolution of galaxies and the structure of the universe. Overall,

the James Webb Space Telescope represents a significant breakthrough in our ability to observe

and study the universe. It has the potential to unlock many mysteries and expand our

understanding of the universe in ways that were previously impossible.

g. Current Article:

The article, “James Webb Space Telescope”

(https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/missions/james-webb-space-telescope/in-depth/) talks about

NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency’s collaboration: the James

Webb Space Telescope. It is intended to be the Hubble Space Telescope's successor, with

upgraded capabilities that will allow it to survey the cosmos in unparalleled detail. The article

outlines the telescope's primary features and components, as well as the problems encountered

during its creation. The improved capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope are one of the

article's key highlights. The primary mirror of the telescope is more than six times bigger than
the Hubble Space Telescope, allowing it to capture more light and observe fainter objects. It is

also intended to work mostly in the infrared band, allowing it to detect objects hidden by dust or

gas clouds. Furthermore, the telescope will be able to detect light from the universe's first

galaxies formed, providing valuable insights into the universe's early history. Another significant

component of the article is the difficulties experienced during the creation of the James Webb

Space Telescope. The project encountered several technical, financial, and logistical obstacles,

resulting in delays and cost overruns. The intricacy of the telescope's design, as well as the

requirement for it to be launched and installed in space, has been one of the major hurdles. The

article recounts how the telescope was rigorously tested to verify that it could endure the rigors

of launch and function in the harsh environment of space.