Que. Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? (250 words, 15 marks)

Answer:

Approach:

Introduction

  • Present a brief overview of JWST, highlighting its launch and unique role in exploring the universe.

Body

  • Discuss four key features of JWST in distinct, concise subsections: larger mirror, infrared observation, strategic location, and advanced instruments.
  • Talk about JWST’s mission.
  • Mention its potential benefits.

Conclusion

  • Summarize JWST’s potential impact on space exploration and our understanding of the cosmos.

Introduction:

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), launched on 25th December, 2021, is a revolutionary observatory, substantially more advanced than its predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope. It’s not just a bigger, better version of Hubble, but a completely new concept that will allow us to peer deeper into the universe’s history and mysteries.

Body:

Its unique features:

Extended Lifespan: Unlike the Hubble, which required frequent servicing missions, JWST has a projected lifespan of at least 10 years without maintenance due to advanced technology and efficient resource preservation.

  • Enhanced Resolution: The larger mirror and state-of-the-art instruments of JWST will provide a far superior resolution to Hubble, allowing it to observe distant celestial bodies in remarkable detail.
  • Advanced Exoplanet Detection: While Hubble made important contributions to exoplanet studies, JWST’s specialized instruments will enable more sophisticated detection of exoplanets, including those within habitable zones.
  • Greater Observational Reach: JWST can observe further into the past than Hubble, reaching back to the first galaxies and stars, even probing the era of reionization, a realm beyond Hubble’s capabilities.
  • Improved Solar System Observation: JWST will offer more comprehensive insights into our solar system’s celestial bodies, using its superior instruments to explore multiple spectra for an in-depth understanding that surpasses Hubble’s contributions.

space

The JWST mission is aimed at:

  • Observing the Early Universe: JWST aims to capture images of the universe’s first galaxies, much like opening a time capsule from the cosmos’s earliest days.
  • Studying Galaxy Formation: JWST will explore how galaxies evolve, akin to understanding the growth and aging process of living beings.
  • Studying Star and Planetary System Formation: With its infrared vision, JWST can see through dust clouds to witness the birth of stars and planets, similar to watching a baby chick hatch from an egg.
  • Planetary Studies: JWST will scrutinize planets, including exoplanets, to uncover their atmospheres and compositions, like a detective piecing together clues to solve a cosmic mystery.

The potential benefits of JWST are immense:

  • It will provide unprecedented insights into our cosmic origins and might help us understand the chances of life elsewhere in the universe.
  • It will also inspire future generations to learn more about the cosmos and our place in it.
  • The JWST is not merely a telescope; it’s a time machine, a cosmic detective, and an inspiration for humanity’s quest for knowledge.

Conclusion:

In essence, the James Webb Space Telescope is set to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos. By peeling back the layers of the universe’s history, it will bring us closer to answering humanity’s most profound questions, thereby inspiring the future of space exploration and discovery.

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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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