On December 25, 2021, one of the greatest moments in the world of modern astronomy occurred: NASA and its partners (the European Space Agency ESA and the Canadian CSA) successfully launched the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the scientific replacement of Hubble and Spitzer, but also a giant leap forward in humanity's observation capabilities.
So why is Webb considered a real revolution?
Seeing even further: Thanks to the giant 6.5-meter diameter vision and an advanced infrared device, Webb is able to observe the earliest universe and reach nearly the first moments of galactic formation.
Decoding the atmospheres of far-away planets: The telescope has already identified molecules in the atmospherics of worlds outside the solar system, including water, carbon dioxide, and methane.
Image quality never seen before: Webb delivers images with depth, sensitivity and unprecedented infrared quality never received from deep space. Thus, it allows us to see cosmic structures, nebulae, and star systems in a whole new way.
Since launching, James Webb continues to break records, answer ancient questions, and open new questions that expand the boundaries of human knowledge.
2021 was just the beginning.