How the James Webb Space Telescope Will Peer Back in Time

Thanks to a larger mirror and other capabilities, JWST will “see” early days of the universe that Hubble never could.

By Chris Holt
Apr 5, 2022 9:00 PMApr 5, 2022 8:58 PM
JWST
(Credit: 24k-Production/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Light from space always reaches us after a delay. For example, the light from our nearest star system, Alpha Centauri, takes four years to reach Earth, so when we look at Alpha Centauri, we see it as it was four years ago. 

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will take this idea to the extreme, studying objects so distant that the telescope will essentially be looking back 13.5 billion years — close to the start of the universe.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.