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The primary goals of Webb are to study galaxy, star and planet formation in the Universe. To see the very first stars and galaxies form in the early Universe, we have to look deep into space to look back in time (because it takes light time to travel from there to here, the farther out we look, the further we look back in time). The Universe is expanding, and therefore the farther we look, the faster objects are moving away from us, redshifting the light. Redshift means that light that is emitted as ultraviolet or visible light is shifted more and more to redder wavelengths, into the near- and mid-infrared part of the light spectrum for very high redshifts.

Therefore, to study the earliest star formation in the Universe, we have to observe infrared light and use a telescope and instruments optimized for this light. Star and planet formation in the local Universe takes place 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, allowing near-infrared light to escape from the dust clouds. By observing the emitted near-infrared light we can penetrate the dust and see the processes leading to star and planet formation. Objects of about Earth's temperature emit most of their radiation at mid-infrared wavelengths. These temperatures are also found in dusty regions forming stars and planets, so with mid-infrared radiation we can see the glow of the star and planet formation taking place. An infrared-optimized telescope allows us to penetrate dust clouds to see the birthplaces of stars and planets.

(Also, at one of the other commenters, Webb is not Hubble's replacement, but rather a successor.)

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βˆ™ 13y ago
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The James Webb Space Telescope is designed to observe in the infrared range because infrared light can penetrate through cosmic dust clouds, allowing it to observe objects that are otherwise hidden in visible light. This enables it to study the early universe, distant galaxies, and the formation of stars and planets.

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Q: Why is the James Webb telescope infrared?
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Related questions

The James Webb Space Telescope will study?

infrared radiation


What is the type of telescope and the wavelength of light used?

The James Webb Space Telescope is an infrared telescope, designed to observe objects in the infrared spectrum. It covers a range of wavelengths from about 0.6 to 28 micrometers.


What will the Jame Webb space telescope will study?

infrared radiation


What telescope is replacing the Hubble telescope?

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is set to replace the Hubble Space Telescope and is scheduled to launch in 2021. The JWST will be the most powerful space telescope ever built and will study the universe in infrared wavelengths to observe objects that are difficult to see with other telescopes.


What is the James Space Telescope?

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the planned successor of the HST and the Spitzer Space Telescope (for observations in infrared). It will have a diameter of 6.5 m (the HST has 2.4 m). As of now, the launch will be in 2017 or 2018.


Will Hubble still be used after the James Webb telescope in launched?

Yes, Hubble is expected to continue operating alongside the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). While JWST will offer new capabilities in infrared observations, Hubble will continue to provide valuable data in visible, ultraviolet, and near-infrared wavelengths. Both telescopes will complement each other in their respective strengths.


When does the James webb telescope come out?

At this time (early 2014), the James Webb Space Telescope is scheduled to launch during October of 2018 .


Infrared astronomy can only be done from space?

Infrared astronomy can also be done from the ground, though it is limited by interference from Earth's atmosphere. Space-based infrared telescopes, such as the Spitzer Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope, provide clearer images by avoiding atmospheric distortion.


Which space telescope is going to be launched after the hubble?

The James Webb telescope.


When will the James Webb telescope launch?

June 2014


What is the name of the most powerful telescope in the world is called?

The most powerful telescope in the world is called the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). It is a space-based observatory designed to study the universe in infrared wavelengths.


How did space exploration contribute to the James Webb Space Telescope?

Space exploration paved the way for the development of the James Webb Space Telescope by providing valuable experience in building and operating space-based observatories. Technologies and techniques developed for previous missions, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, have been applied to the design and construction of the James Webb Space Telescope. Additionally, insights gained from exploring our solar system and beyond have informed the science goals and objectives of the James Webb Space Telescope.