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Interactive 3D tour lets you explore the James Webb Space Telescope

24. 02. 11


Artist's impression of the JWST (Credits: ESA)

Imagine flying around in space to examine a future space observatory that’s under construction today. Thanks to animators and web developers, Internet users can get a fly-by tour of NASA's next-generation, tennis court-sized James Webb Space Telescope on their computer. The website also explains the science behind the various different instruments onboard the telescope, introduces the global, 1000-strong team building it and has links to where you can stay up to date with all the latest project news.

The interactive Fly-by tour can be found on the NASA Website.

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will study the first stars and galaxies. It will also examine the physical and chemical properties of Solar Systems, including our own.

The UK's involvement in JWST is funded by the UK Space Agency. The STFC UK Astronomy Technology Centre is leading the MIRI European Consortium of more than 20 institutes. The team also includes the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Astrium Limited, the University of Leicester and the University of Cardiff.

University College London's Mullard Space Science Laboratory is supplying NIRSpec's on board calibration system and ground calibration equipment for the same instrument.

News item originally appeared on the UK Space Agency website


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