James Webb Telescope

James Webb Space Telescope is a space telescope designed primarily to conduct infrared astronomy. The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) led development of the telescope[8] in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

The good space news has been that the the James Webb Space Telescope is proceeding according to schedule. NASA is now aligning the telescope.

The alignment process is complex, and it required operators to start gathering the first of many photons the telescope will see over the next couple of decades. The video below is a fascinating look at the alignment process, which is needed to move the 18 separate hexagonal mirror segments into a single optical surface. This amazing telescope has not only spread its wings, but it has now opened its eyes.

How James Webb’s Mirrors MUST Work

Read more:

Photons Incoming: Webb Team Begins Aligning the Telescope
https://blogs.nasa.gov/webb/2022/02/03/photons-incoming-webb-team-begins-aligning-the-telescope/

Working Model Reveals Amazing Engineering Of Webb’s Mirror Actuators
https://hackaday.com/2022/02/08/working-model-reveals-amazing-engineering-of-webbs-mirror-actuators/

NASA unveils the James Webb Space Telescope’s first images
The first step in a long process of aligning the telescope’s mirrors
https://www.theverge.com/2022/2/11/22929054/nasa-james-webb-space-telescope-first-images

Photons Received: Webb Sees Its First Star – 18 Times
https://blogs.nasa.gov/webb/2022/02/11/photons-received-webb-sees-its-first-star-18-times/

The James Webb Space Telescope’s first images have scientists excited (and a bit relieved)
https://www.space.com/nasa-james-webb-space-telescope-first-images-excitement