First image from James Webb space telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a large, advanced space telescope developed by NASA, with contributions from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). It is designed to be the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope and is named after James E. Webb, a former NASA administrator.

JWST is primarily an infrared telescope and is positioned at the second Lagrange point (L2), which is about 1.5 million kilometers (about 930,000 miles) from Earth. This location allows it to have a clear and unobstructed view of the universe in the infrared spectrum, enabling it to study objects like distant galaxies, stars, and exoplanets with incredible precision.

Its scientific objectives include studying the formation of stars and planetary systems, observing the atmospheres of exoplanets, investigating the history of the universe, and much more. JWST is a remarkable example of international collaboration and technological innovation in space exploration.