NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is preparing to begin its mission of discovery.
By observing infrared light, Webb will be able to look through dust to see stars forming
inside of nebulae. It will also allow scientists to observe farther back in time than previous telescopes.
More distant objects in the cosmos are more
highly redshifted. That means their light shifts from ultraviolet and visible wavelengths
into the near-infrared. This shift in wavelength means observations
of distant objects, such as the first galaxies that formed in the universe, require a telescope
specialized in collecting infrared light. While Webb will explore the cosmos in infrared
light, Hubble will continue its observations of the universe in visible and ultraviolet
wavelengths. Since 1990, Hubble has completely changed
our understanding of just about everything. From galaxy evolution to gravitational lensing
and dark matter; from exoplanet atmospheres to our own solar system, Hubble continues
to teach us something new about our place in the cosmos.
The scientific community is incredibly excited to have these two highly complementary observatories
operating together. With their collaboration, they will push the boundaries of knowledge
on the backdrop of a rapidly evolving astronomical landscape.
A wealth of multiwavelength and now multi-messenger astrophysical observatories, from space and
from the ground, are currently operating or being planned, Hubble and Webb will work together
to advance our collective understanding of the universe,
ushering in a new golden age of astronomy!
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