James Webb Space Telescope: The scientific mysteries no other observatory could unravel

When scientists planned and designed the Hubble Space Telescope, the most groundbreaking astronomical observatory of its era, there were many things about the universe they didn’t know. One of these unknowns was that stars and galaxies existed already a few hundred million years after the Big Bang, Mark McCaughrean, senior advisor for science and exploration … Read more

Nerves run high ahead of the James Webb Space Telescope launch this Saturday

The primary mirror of the James Webb Space Telescope. In a new interview, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson shared he is “nervous” ahead of the launch. (Image credit: NASA/Chris Gunn) Amid all the excitement, there is no shortage of nerves ahead of the launch of the world’s most powerful telescope.  This Saturday (Dec. 25), the James … Read more

The James Webb Space Telescope Is on The Launchpad!

The science community is getting a very long-awaited Christmas gift this year – the much-delayed launch of the James Webb Space Telescope!  The successor to the much-loved Hubble, the James Webb Space Telescope, or JWST, was originally scheduled to be launched in 2007. Now, 14 years later, all systems seem to finally be ready to … Read more

James Webb Space Telescope reaches launch pad for Christmas liftoff

Image 1 of 3 An Ariane 5 rocket carrying the James Webb Space Telescope rolled out to the launch pad at Kourou, French Guiana, on Dec. 23, 2021. (Image credit: Bill Ingalls/NASA) Image 2 of 3 An Ariane 5 rocket carrying the James Webb Space Telescope rolled out to the launch pad at Kourou, French … Read more

Why NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope will orbit nearly 1 million miles from Earth

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope will be more extreme than its famous predecessor in a variety of ways, including its cosmic locale. The $10 billion Webb is considerably bigger, more complex and more powerful than the Hubble Space Telescope, which has been studying the heavens from Earth orbit for more than three decades.  And the new … Read more

The James Webb Space Telescope will open up the ‘secrets of the universe,’ NASA administrator says

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson is excited to see the James Webb Space Telescope open up the “secrets of the universe,” he told Space.com. “This is a one of a kind,” Nelson said about the James Webb Space Telescope, which is set to launch this Saturday (Dec. 25) at 7:20 a.m. EDT (1220 GMT) from the … Read more

Bad Weather Forces Delay in Launch of James Webb Space Telescope

NASA’s much-awaited next-generation space telescope is finally ready to launch—just as soon as the weather cooperates. The James Webb Space Telescope, also known as JWST or Webb, has been in the works for decades. During a news conference held on Tuesday (Dec. 21), project officials confirmed that the observatory is ready to launch. However, within hours, … Read more

At Long Last, the James Webb Space Telescope Is Ready for Launch

As a NASA photographer, Chris Gunn has been documenting the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) from its early days. Since 2009 he has captured every milestone and witnessed nearly all the pieces of the spacecraft being put together and tested. The telescope is scheduled to reach space in December, and in the months that follow … Read more

Science and music collide with the James Webb Space Telescope

Lee Feinberg, the Optical Telescope Element manager for Webb, who is also a musician. (Image credit: NASA/Chris Gunn) What’s the secret ingredient that has supported scientists at NASA in creating the most powerful space telescope in history? Music. The James Webb Space Telescope, a collaborative effort between NASA, the European Space Agency and the Canadian … Read more

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope launch delayed to Christmas due to weather

NASA’s much-awaited next-generation space telescope is finally ready to launch — just as soon as the weather cooperates. The James Webb Space Telescope, also known as JWST or Webb, has been in the works for decades. During a news conference held on Tuesday (Dec. 21), project officials confirmed that the observatory is ready to launch. … Read more