WHAT WILL WEBB DO?

Spot The first galaxies

The ongoing expansion of the universe has redshifted the visible light emitted by the first galaxies into the infrared. The JWST has the instruments and mirror diameter required to see them. It can also use spectroscopy to check that they only contain the nonmetal elements hydrogen and helium.

Study star and planet formation

The formation of stars and planets generates a lot of heat, which is infrared radiation. As dusty discs of gas swirl around new stars, friction and collisions heat up the material as it coalesces into new planets. The JWST can watch this process in action and decipher the mysteries of exactly how it happens.

Characterise exoplanets

We need to know what planets are made of if we’re to understand the chances of them hosting life. We’re looking for important chemicals such as water, which absorbs infrared light very efficiently. The JWST also carries a coronagraph to block out the host star’s light for better views.