NASA's New Toy

There is a strong possibility that NASA will be discovering early galaxies, just-forming stars, clouds of gas and space dust in the near future due to the James Webb Space Telescope, an upcoming technological innovation. 


The James Webb Space Telescope is an infrared-detecting observatory that will travel through space at the Second Sun-Earth Lagrange Point, an orbit far beyond Earth's Moon. There is a plethora of information about this topic, as it is a fairly current event, but I found a lot of helpful information from the article Webb's Nuts and Bolts. 


Naturally, with great innovation comes great debate. A large quantity of people seem to be upset about the extreme bill NASA is racking up in order to fund the project. Because the telescope requires a giant sun shield and large mirrors among several other expensive parts, many have already begun to complain because they feel this money could be better spent in support of other causes. One of their main arguments surrounds the fact that the project does not have a 100% success guarantee. In fact, there seems to be a large margin for error. 


Personally, I support NASA's project despite the enormous amount of money it will cost because I feel the potential outcomes outweigh the risks and negative consequences. If this project is successful, the Webb Telescope will be able to capture the clearest picture of objects that emit this invisible radiation ever taken. 


The article found on HubbleSite gives a fairly easy-to-follow description of the Webb Telescope and NASA's plans for it, but an even better source of information can be found in the video below. I encourage everyone to watch, as this new technological innovation may very well affect us all.