01-26-2016, 09:45 PM
"http://www.space.com/12759-james-webb-sp...rease.html
This is why space telescopes, while nice, won't be replacing ground telescopes any time soon.
And imagine if the rocket launch goes wrong..."
I think many don't realize the shortcomings of the JWST. It will provide data that astronomers have wanted for decades, but the risks and expense is huge, and it is not a simple upgrade of the Hubble.
The JWST is mainly an infrared telescope, the HST is not. Once the JWST is placed in "orbit", it will not be possible for astronauts to fix problems as was done with the HST. It also has a relatively short lifespan, a decade at most. During that time it will make some tremendous discoveries but that will be it. Once it runs out fuel the whole thing will warm up and it becomes useless.
Personally, I'm following the story of MIRI, one of JWST's four instruments. Gillian Wright, the project scientist, was the person I replaced at UKIRT many years ago (she lived here for a decade). Alistair Glasse, the instrument scientist, is a close friend who spent a lot of time here on the Big Island commissioning Michelle at UKIRT. My fingers are crossed for both of them.
This is why space telescopes, while nice, won't be replacing ground telescopes any time soon.
And imagine if the rocket launch goes wrong..."
I think many don't realize the shortcomings of the JWST. It will provide data that astronomers have wanted for decades, but the risks and expense is huge, and it is not a simple upgrade of the Hubble.
The JWST is mainly an infrared telescope, the HST is not. Once the JWST is placed in "orbit", it will not be possible for astronauts to fix problems as was done with the HST. It also has a relatively short lifespan, a decade at most. During that time it will make some tremendous discoveries but that will be it. Once it runs out fuel the whole thing will warm up and it becomes useless.
Personally, I'm following the story of MIRI, one of JWST's four instruments. Gillian Wright, the project scientist, was the person I replaced at UKIRT many years ago (she lived here for a decade). Alistair Glasse, the instrument scientist, is a close friend who spent a lot of time here on the Big Island commissioning Michelle at UKIRT. My fingers are crossed for both of them.