NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is set for launch on a European Ariane rocket from French Guiana at approximately 7:20 Eastern time. It’s the largest space observatory to date, and its main task will be to collect infrared light from the distant corners of the cosmos, allowing scientists to probe the structures and origins of our universe like never before.
Unlike its predecessors, the Webb’s four infrared instruments are capable of detecting their own infrared glow. However, reducing those emissions require the instruments have to be really cold – around 40 kelvins, or minus 388° Fahrenheit. The detectors inside the mid-infrared instrument, or MIRI, need to be even colder – minus 448° Fahrenheit – to operate properly.
- BRIGHT, SHARP VIEWS ANYWHERE: Unlike many beginner telescopes, this quality refractor features fully coated glass lenses and a 70mm aperture for...
- PERFECT FIRST TELESCOPE FOR BEGINNERS: Designed for adults and kids to enjoy together, this beginner-friendly telescope sets up in minutes and...
- EASY NO-TOOL SETUP: No complicated assembly or tools needed. The full-height tripod and telescope tube set up in seconds and pack neatly into the...
Arianespace’s Ariane 5 rocket with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope onboard, is rolled out to the launch pad, Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, at Europe’s Spaceport, the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. The James Webb Space Telescope is a large infrared telescope with a 21.3 foot (6.5 meter) primary mirror,” said the agency.
