Unfold the Universe with NASA’s Webb Space Telescope!

Question 1

_____ operates the Webb Space Telescope by sending commands from a station on Earth.

Accepted Answer

The Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, MD

Question 2

Who contributed to the development of the Webb Space Telescope?

Accepted Answer

The European Space Agency (ESA), The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), The Canadian Space Agency (CSA)

Question 3

How large is the fully-assembled Webb Space Telescope primary mirror?

Accepted Answer

6.5 meters tall

Question 4

How does the Webb Space Telescope view the universe? What wavelengths of light can it see?

Accepted Answer

Primarily infrared light, Some visible light (mostly red light)

Question 5

What kind of orbit is the Webb Space Telescope following? At what altitude?

Accepted Answer

Sun-Earth Lagrange Point Two (L2), altitude 1,500,000 km

Question 6

The Webb Space Telescope mirrors and instruments need to be very cold. How do they do get cold and stay cold?

Accepted Answer

Use a sunshield (like an umbrella for sunlight) the size of a tennis court

Question 7

How many primary mirror segments does the Webb Space Telescope have?

Accepted Answer

18

Question 8

What science themes is the Webb Space Telescope exploring?

Accepted Answer

Galaxies over time, The first stars and galaxies of the early universe, Star lifecycles and other worlds

Question 9

A thin layer of ______ coats the front of each Webb Space Telescope mirror segment. (this picture shows the back)

Accepted Answer

gold (to improve reflection of infrared light)

Question 10

The Webb Space Telescope launched from _____ on Dec. 25, 2021.

Accepted Answer

Guiana Space Center, French Guiana

Questions 10