Professional Documents
Culture Documents
13 October 2022
a. Emma Choe
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
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
g. Current Article:
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