Deep space is broadening, and for that reason the farther we look, the faster objects are moving far from us, redshifting the light. Redshift means that light that is discharged as ultraviolet or noticeable light is shifted more and more to redder wavelengths, into the near- and mid-infrared part of the electro-magnetic spectrum for very high redshifts. To study the earliest star and galaxy formation in the Universe, we have to observe infrared light and use a telescope and instruments enhanced for this light like Webb.
Star development in the regional universe occurs in the centers of dense, dusty clouds, obscured from our eyes at normal visible wavelengths. Near-infrared light, with its longer wavelength, is less hindered by the small dust particles, enabling near-infrared light to leak through the dust clouds. By observing the given off near-infrared light we can penetrate the dust and see the procedures causing star and planet development.
Items of about Earths temperature give off most of their light at mid-infrared wavelengths. These temperature levels are also found in dusty areas forming planets and stars, so with mid-infrared radiation we can see straight the glow of this somewhat warm dust and study its distribution and homes.
Redshift means that light that is given off as ultraviolet or noticeable light is moved more and more to redder wavelengths, into the near- and mid-infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum for very high redshifts. To study the earliest star and galaxy development in the Universe, we have to observe infrared light and utilize a telescope and instruments enhanced for this light like Webb.
Near-infrared light, with its longer wavelength, is less hindered by the little dust particles, enabling near-infrared light to permeate through the dust clouds.
Artists conception of the Webb Telescope in space. Credit: NASA
The James Webb Space Telescope (Webb) will observe the Universe in the mid-infrared and near-infrared– at wavelengths longer than noticeable light.
By seeing the Universe at infrared wavelengths with an extraordinary sensitivity Webb will open up a brand-new window to the universes. With infrared wavelengths it can see the very first stars and galaxies forming after the Big Bang. Its infrared vision likewise permits Webb to study stars and planetary systems forming inside thick clouds of gas and dust that are nontransparent to visible light.
The main goals of Webb are to study planet, galaxy, and star development in the Universe. To see the very first stars and galaxies that formed in the early Universe, we need to look deep into area to look back in time (since it takes light time to travel from there to here, the further out we look, the further we recall in time).