Charles Martel
Hall of Famer
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2007
- Messages
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The James Webb Space Telescope was launched this morning.
https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/
Its ability to image infrared light will allow it to directly see some planets orbiting distant stars. While it is very unlikely that the facility will be able to see Earth-like planets, it will be able to see the reflection of infrared light off planets comparable to Jupiter, and it will be able to see young planets that are hot enough to be molten -- much like Earth was when it was first formed. Detailed information about exoplanets will allow scientists to better understand how planetary systems are formed and give us a better idea of whether our own solar system is unusual.
https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/
Its ability to image infrared light will allow it to directly see some planets orbiting distant stars. While it is very unlikely that the facility will be able to see Earth-like planets, it will be able to see the reflection of infrared light off planets comparable to Jupiter, and it will be able to see young planets that are hot enough to be molten -- much like Earth was when it was first formed. Detailed information about exoplanets will allow scientists to better understand how planetary systems are formed and give us a better idea of whether our own solar system is unusual.