James Webb Vs Hubble: How Do These Two Space Telescopes Compare?

NASA’s most ambitious space mission in recent times was the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which was the subject of all media attention as it sped off into space. It’s designed to discover more about the origins of the universe and uncover its mysteries. 

Not surprisingly, along with the excitement, there are similarities being drawn between it and another space telescope that is already up there – The Hubble Space Telescope (HST).

However, the two space devices have distinct functions from each other and have distinct functions. While HST mostly analyzes celestial objects by analyzing the ultraviolet (UV) as well as visible light JWST is able to detect near-infrared lights instead. 

The sensitivity to infrared wavelength will permit Webb to examine the oldest galaxies in our universe. Hubble’s activities revolve around looking at galaxies with a relatively small distance which forms later.

In addition to their different missions, their sizes, as well as features and orbits, differ. It is the James Webb Space Telescope is the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope. It is based on the work done previously by HST.

James Webb Vs. Hubble: Usage & Specifications

Those are the main differences that distinguish JWST as well as HST from each other. 

Although Hubble has been a top performance for NASA over the last few years, Webb plans to do similar in the coming years.

For more information on space, browse the Brief Bytes regarding space, including the Space Shuttle program and Space Orbiter, the International Space Station, Space Orbiter, and many more.