The James Webb Space Telescope will soon be sending back cosmic selfies. What will we see?
Illustration showing what exoplanet GJ 1214 b could look like based on current information. GJ 1214 b, a warm sub-Neptune-sized exoplanet roughly 48 light-years from Earth, is one of the most studied exoplanets in the galaxy. Previous spectroscopic observations indicate that the planet is shrouded in aerosols (clouds or haze), which have thus far made it impossible to determine the composition of gases that make up its thick atmosphere. (Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, and D. Player (STScI))
The James Webb Space Telescope launched successfully on Christmas Day 2021 to great fanfare.
Weeks later, Hubble’s heir apparent avoided its predecessor’s fate when it successfully deployed and unfurled its main mirror. The honeycomb-like confection of intricately laced parts went into place perfectly…
