The James Webb Space Telescope - Research Paper Example

Astronomy Ground vs. space observation Space astronomy is highly advantageous due to the absence of atmospheric distortion that occurs from ground stations. With this in mind, the telescopes in ground stations tend to be influenced by factors found in the atmosphere to an extent that the even the wavelength is distorted due to the presence of certain elements in the atmosphere that have adverse effects towards the expected results on the outcome. In relation to this distortion on the ground, based astronomy emanates from the scattering of light in the atmosphere, which leads to the need for expensive filters to deal with the clearing of the images. As such, the light that is scattered by the atmosphere acts as an inhibition towards crisp quality of images taken of the astronomical features in space and outer space. In addition to this, astronomy based on ground stations, in relation to distortion, the atmosphere leading to twinkling of stars and other heavenly bodies interferes with the images produced. Putting this into perspective, space based astronomy eliminates the scatter of light by the atmosphere in that there does not exist an atmosphere to scatter the light, but there instead exists a vacuum in space that allows the telescopes to capture light uninhibited. They also do not require employing extra filters to clean up images and ensure the crisp clarity of the shots; this is because there is no light pollution is space from external bodies and internal reflection by the available mediums. Space based observation is also advantageous based on the presence of the telescopes beyond the atmosphere, which translates in their ability to observe at a variety of wavelengths. Due to the atmospheric interference on ground observation, the wavelengths cannot be worked with as they suffer alteration, whereas in space, there are near perfect conditions for the use of spectrometers that allow observers and astronomers to work with the said wavelengths. Putting this into perspective, the atmosphere gives massive interference win ten working with ground based telescopes where certain wavelengths receive interference in their signals rendering them unworkable. This makes space observation to be the better alternative, as is allows the observation of areas with strong electromagnetic spectrums to be observed interference free. With this in mind, the use of ground observation offers interference with strong electromagnetic spectrums such as ultraviolet rays, x-rays, and gamma rays that are found on various heavenly bodies (Ayres and Longscope 4). The above makes space observation more efficient and accurate as compared to observations done from the ground, as there is also interference of the same wavelengths from the atmosphere. The problem with space observation is that every space telescope utilizes mirrors to gather light and resolve the details of the light collected. As such, there are strong limitations as to the size of space telescopes that can be sent into space for the purpose of observation owing to the expense of sending them up there (Vaccari). In addition, larger mirrors gather more light and include more details, where this is restricted by the cost and size of objects that can be sent into space for observation, and other functions. In conclusion, both ground and space observations are beneficial in their own ways, the same way that they are marred with mishaps of efficiency and cost. As such, each shows distinct strengths that are unique to each, and how they manifest on each perspective meaning that no single method is perfect, but that there is room for improvement. Infrared Infrared observation is a form of observation that is highly effective, which makes it one of the methods with plenty of advantages in space observation. However, there are also challenges of using infrared observation, which makes the essence of this essay to look into the merits and demerits of the form of observation. Infrared observation is particularly powerful in terms of its accuracy especially when coupled with space observation where it eliminates inhibitions. With this in mind, infrared observation ensures that in space observation there is full access to the entire infrared spectrum, where infrared access in constricted on earth, in which case in space, it offers unique ability to detect microscopic particles that are usually not visible to the naked human eye. Instead, infrared compensates for this by ensuring that these particles can be detected and analyzed in reference to their properties. Only infrared wavelengths can probe regions that cannot be seen and even be detected by offering preliminary observations based on the down conversion process that inhibits access to the regions (“Astronomy- Infrared”). In addition, due to the cosmic nature of the particles found therein, only infrared can detect certain properties in relation to material form and temperatures as the system is based heat detection, which makes infrared highly beneficial in exploration of space. Infrared in this case allows observation to be done by accurately demarcating the invisible particles such as cosmic dust and other microscopic particles so that they can be factored in for accurate shots of galaxies. Infrared also allows for distant analysis of matter based n its ability to detect heat, in which case cold temperatures only serve for making the conditions perfect for observation of distant objects and galaxies. Infrared astronomy is marred by challenges in that astronomers require large detector arrays in order to be able to detect heat energy from distant planets and other heavenly bodies, as it is difficult to do so with the smaller arrays (Copley). As such, there is need to deal with delicate equipment, whose cost is also high to ensure that the qualities of images taken of the bodies are of high quality, and that the level of detail on the image is of high quality. As such, the equipment required is of unmatched sophistication to produce a single image due to multiple relays and delay timers. In addition, there is the concept of earthbound radiation, which implies the need for the infrared telescopes to be placed in areas that do not receive infrared radiation in order to ensure that there is accuracy. As such, there is need to have an accurate measurement and knowledge of how much radiation is earthbound so as to ensure that the equation on earthbound and actual readings for heavenly bodies are balanced for best achievable accuracy (Copley). The other problem lies in the lack of access to the entire infrared wavelength from earth due to interference, which makes it inefficient for use on ground stations. This mars availability of high definition shots, or shots that have adequate details to be used in mapping and studies of distant galaxies. James Webb Space Telescope The James Webb Space Telescope that is meant to be launched in 2018 is an instrument of wonder, where its capabilities leave the world awed by what it is expected to achieve by the end of its mission. With this, it is designed for a completely new level of space exploration that beats its predecessor, the Hubble telescope in that its hardware configuration and specification is complex and efficient. In order to describe the James Webb Space Telescope there is a need to look into the hardware properties of the telescope and its adaptations to its environment, as well as its expected role in observation. The James Webb Space Telescope is made from a design that is totally different form that of its successor, the Hubble Telescope, in that it is fully dedicated to deep space exploration, which is fully evident in its design. Its larger part is dedicated to a sunshield, which is aimed at blocking away the interference of the sun’s rays of light in order to allow accurate shots using visible light and infrared. With this in mind, it is designed to face away from the sun, while its solar panels face the sun for powering it. The observation occurs almost exclusively on infrared light, but it also capable of observing using visible light, which is facilitated by its large collecting area. The area measures 25 square meters, which is made of durable materials to ensure that it runs its full length of life and serve its purpose fully (Richard). This is be ensuring that the thermal conditions are taken care of through the use of thermally dynamic materials that remain stable in almost any temperature. With this in mind, the mechanics of efficiency are focused on its temperature of operation range, where temperatures are spread throughout the mirror. This ensures that the mirror does not have a heat gradient, which further translates to accuracy. In addition, the James Webb Space Telescope operates at wavelengths that eliminate interference by the telescope itself in that the telescope itself produces its own infrared wavelengths that are likely to influence observations. However, these are cancelled out through shielding from the sun, and working at low temperatures. Putting this into perspective, maximum efficiency is important, as it is required to detect and work in conditions of red shift, dust obscuration, and the fundamentally low temperatures of the several sources to be examined. This translates to the telescope having hyper capabilities in exploring the universe from a convenient area away from interference. The full intent of the telescope in space is to see across billions of light years and capturing images of distant galaxies as they are formed, where its main core is distinct (Waugh). This is in relation to finding and isolating light from the first stars that were formed immediately after the big bang in order to help understand the formation and evolution of galaxies (Richard). This mission goes further to look into the possibilities of the origin of life in planets, which makes its specification to be high range. In order to handle its tasks effectively, it is configured to see through clouds of dust and other invisible matter under the naked eye, in which case it equipped with fully capable infrared equipment and anti-interference mechanisms. In conclusion, the James Webb Space Telescope is created to cater for the flaws of the Hubble telescope, where it has overcome most limitations, and has a mission different from that of the Hubble. In addition, its configuration is completely different to ensure that it is fully efficient and accurate to an extent of providing full details that are accurate. Works cited Richard, Michael. The Hubble Space Telescope vs. New James Webb Space Telescope. 2007. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. Waugh, Rob. “NASA shows off space telescope which will take over after Hubble”. Yahoo! News. 2013. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. “Astronomy- Infrared”. What-when-how. Web. n.d 29 Mar. 2013. Copley, Andrew. “The Disadvantages of Infrared Astronomy”. eHow. n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. http://www.ehow.co.uk/info_8619166_disadvantages-infrared-astronomy.html Ayres, T and Longscope, D. Ground-Based Solar Physics in the Era of Space Astronomy. 2012. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. Vaccari, Mattia.The Advantages of Space Astronomy. 2005. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. http://www.mattiavaccari.net/research/masterthesis/masterthesis/node4.html Read More