The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the next of NASAs Great Observatories; following in the line of the Hubble Space Telescope, the Compton Gamma-ray Observatory, the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and the Spitzer Space Telescope. JWST combines qualities of two of its predecessors, observing in infrared light, like Spitzer, with great resolution, like Hubble. Credit: NASA, SkyWorks Digital, Northrop Grumman, STScI
After 2 weeks of complicated structural deployments, Webb has actually passed a major turning point and is now totally unfolded in area. For insight on what to expect in the months ahead and how to follow along, we speak with Alexandra Lockwood, task researcher for Webb science interactions at the Space Telescope Science Institute:
” Words cant explain the pride and enjoyment the Webb group is feeling today. From engineers to scientists to IT staff to graphic designers to administrative workers (and more!), we are all overjoyed with the amazing successes of the observatory to date. While we still have a long method to go before getting the science, the engineering tasks that have actually been achieved, in the world and now in space, are breathtaking. They are a testimony to the effort and know-how of the global Webb team.
” Now that the action-packed implementation series is over, we are moving into a much slower, yet intentional, stage of the commissioning procedure. In the next 2 weeks, we will move each of the 18 main mirror sections, and the secondary mirror, out of their launch positions. Then 5 months of commissioning will consist of 1) further cooling of the whole observatory, and of the Mid-Infrared Instrument in particular, 2) monitoring and then aligning the secondary and 18 mirror segments into a single meaningful optical system, initially with the NIRCam instrument and then with all instruments individually and in parallel, and 3) adjusting of each of the four instruments and their lots of scientific modes. The novelty and range of science that this observatory can produce requires countless things to be inspected ahead of time. However rest assured that this summer will sizzle with the hot (nay cold?) observations we will quickly be sharing!
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the next of NASAs Great Observatories; following in the line of the Hubble Space Telescope, the Compton Gamma-ray Observatory, the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and the Spitzer Space Telescope. While we still have a long way to go before getting the science, the engineering accomplishments that have actually been accomplished, on Earth and now in space, are breathtaking. 5 months of commissioning will include 1) additional cooling of the entire observatory, and of the Mid-Infrared Instrument in specific, 2) checking and then lining up the secondary and 18 mirror sections into a single meaningful optical system, first with the NIRCam instrument and then with all instruments individually and in parallel, and 3) calibrating of each of the four instruments and their lots of scientific modes. The novelty and range of science that this observatory can produce requires thousands of things to be checked ahead of time.
” The group is committed to keeping you informed– even through the meticulous and often sluggish parts of this commissioning procedure. This blog will be updated weekly, and sometimes more frequently. Please inspect back to hear more status updates, in-depth descriptions of Webbs science and innovation, and even some enjoyable group anecdotes!
” Were delighted to be on this journey to #UnfoldTheUniverse with you.”
— Alexandra Lockwood, project researcher for Webb science interactions, Space Telescope Science Institute
