Today, NASAWebb is expected to reach the second Lagrange point (L2), its final destination. L2 is a spot in space where the gravitational forces of Earth and the sun are roughly equal, creating a stable orbital location.
The most ambitious space telescope built to date is about to start peering at the universe through infrared eyes. The $10-billion James Webb Space Telescope is designed to see farther back in space and time than ever before, where light has been stretched by the expansion of space into much longer wavelengths. To see this faint light, the telescope must observe far from Earth and its contaminating light and heat.
After launch, JWST will travel 1.5 million kilometers to Earth's second “Lagrange point” , a spot in space where the gravitational forces of our planet and the sun are roughly equal, creating a stable orbital location. This vantage point will allow JWST to orbit with its giant sunshield positioned between the telescope and the sun, Earth and moon, shielding the telescope and keeping it at a frigid –370 degrees Fahrenheit.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
SpaceX Dragon cargo ship undocks from space station for trip back to EarthThe Dragon spacecraft will splash down off the Florida coast on Monday, Jan. 24.
Consulte Mais informação »
Could the Earth ever stop spinning, and what would happen if it did?There would be lots of changes.
Consulte Mais informação »
SpaceX Dragon capsule to return to Earth on Monday after space station missionThe capsule launched just before Christmas, carrying more than 6,500 lbs of science experiments and supplies to the ISS.
Consulte Mais informação »
An astronaut's view on protecting the EarthThis astronaut has seen the impact of climate change on the Earth from space -- and hopes his research on board the International Space Station can be used to protect the planet.
Consulte Mais informação »
How to Survive the Most Dangerous Place on Earth: Your HouseYour home might be your castle, but it is also, statistically speaking, one of the most potentially dangerous places you spend your time.
Consulte Mais informação »