The most powerful telescope ever built is revealing secrets of the universe! Explore the jaw-dropping images and groundbreaking discoveries from JWST.
1What Is the James Webb Space Telescope?
Launched on Christmas Day 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope is the largest and most powerful space telescope ever built. Its golden mirror is 6.5 meters wide and can see infrared light from the earliest galaxies formed after the Big Bang. It orbits the Sun at a point 1.5 million kilometers from Earth called L2.
- Mirror diameter: 6.5 meters (21 feet) — 6 times larger than Hubble
- Location: 1.5 million km from Earth at Lagrange Point 2
- Cost: $10 billion over 25 years of development
- Mission life: At least 20 years of fuel available
2Stunning Images of Nebulae and Galaxies
JWST has captured breathtaking images of stellar nurseries where new stars are born, ancient galaxies from over 13 billion years ago, and the atmospheres of planets orbiting distant stars. The Carina Nebula image revealed hundreds of previously hidden baby stars, while the deep field image showed thousands of galaxies in a patch of sky the size of a grain of sand.
Visit the official JWST gallery at webbtelescope.org with your kids! Print out your favorite images and create a "cosmic art gallery" on your wall.
3Discovering Exoplanet Atmospheres
One of JWST's most exciting abilities is analyzing the atmospheres of exoplanets — planets orbiting other stars. It has already detected water vapor, carbon dioxide, and even signs of clouds on distant worlds. This brings us closer to answering the biggest question: is there life beyond Earth?
- WASP-39b: First detection of CO2 in an exoplanet atmosphere
- TRAPPIST-1 system: Studying 7 Earth-sized planets for habitability
- K2-18b: Possible signs of dimethyl sulfide, a molecule linked to life
- Over 5,000 exoplanets confirmed and counting
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4What Comes Next for JWST?
Scientists have decades of observations planned for JWST. Upcoming targets include studying the formation of the very first stars, mapping the surfaces of moons in our solar system, and searching for biosignatures on rocky exoplanets. Every week brings new discoveries that rewrite our understanding of the cosmos.
Start a "JWST Discovery Journal" with your kids! Each week, check NASA's website for new images and write down what was discovered. It is like being a real space scientist!