Science / 2 min read · English
The universe doesn’t end where sight does.
An introductory note on infrared astronomy and the questions Webb helps us ask.
Selectory editorial
A wider spectrum
Visible light is only part of the electromagnetic spectrum. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope observes near- and mid-infrared wavelengths. Looking in this range lets astronomers investigate questions that a visible-light picture alone cannot answer.
Light carries a history
As the universe expands, light from very distant galaxies stretches toward longer wavelengths. NASA describes infrared observations as one tool for studying early galaxies. The telescope does not simply take a familiar view and make it sharper: its instruments measure a different part of the light reaching us.
Read the image notes
When you see an astronomical image, look for its instrument, wavelength and caption. A scientific image is also a carefully explained translation of measurements. This illustrative introduction is an invitation to the mission’s own material, not a technical analysis of telescope data.