Year of the Comet
Comet C/2011 L4 (PANSTARRS)

PANSTARRS information

Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON)

ISON information

Web Extras

James Webb Space Telescope

Despite budget problems, NASA and ESA continue with plans for a 6.5-meter space telescope designed to study the infant universe.
By Richard Talcott
Published: April 21, 2006
The public tends to see the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) as a successor to the current Hubble Space Telescope. And that's only natural — after all, JWST was originally called the Next Generation Space Telescope. But JWST actually has more in common with the current Spitzer Space Telescope. Spitzer observes the universe in the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum, just as JWST will. The Webb Telescope will cover the wavelength region from 0.6 to 28 micrometers, or from the red end of the visible spectrum well out into the infrared. And it will be optimized for observations in the 1- to 5-micrometer range.
Subscriber-Only Content Subscriber Only Access
You are currently not logged in. This article is only available to Astronomy magazine subscribers.
Already a subscriber to Astronomy magazine?
If you are already a subscriber to Astronomy magazine you must log into your account to view this article. If you do not have an account you will need to regsiter for one. Registration is FREE and only takes a couple minutes.
Login   Register
Non-subscribers, Subscribe TODAY and save!
Subscribe
Get instant access to subscriber content on Astronomy.com!
  • Access our interactive Atlas of the Stars
  • Get full access to StarDome PLUS
  • Columnist articles
  • Search and view our equipment review archive
  • Receive full access to our Ask Astro answers
  • BONUS web extras not included in the magazine
  • Much more!
SEARCH SITE
Subscriber Only Access
Subscriber Only Content
Look for this icon. This denotes premium subscriber content. Learn more »
Become a Member of Astronomy.com
Register today for access to more valuable resource information.
Interact in our forums, comment on articles, receive our newsletter and much more!
Not a member?
Subscriber and Member Login
Password
Remember me