NASA’s next space telescope could have a liquid lens and be 100x larger than Webb

An illustration showing the final stage of a possible future giant telescope being created in space using fluids. Studio Ella Maru NASA is always searching for new ways to extend its ability to see into the outer reaches of the universe and, in its latest series of experiments, it’s exploring a method that could enable… Continue reading NASA’s next space telescope could have a liquid lens and be 100x larger than Webb

A fully aligned James Webb Space Telescope snaps its first photo and exceeds ‘every expectation’

A bright star, with galaxies behind it, captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. NASA/STScI This article originally appeared on Popular Science The James Webb Space Telescope’s main mirror segments are fully aligned, and now this NASA telescope is able to produce the highest resolution infrared images ever taken from space.  NASA released the first… Continue reading A fully aligned James Webb Space Telescope snaps its first photo and exceeds ‘every expectation’

How to focus a six-ton space telescope

A “selfie” taken by the James Webb Space telescope during the early stages of calibration process. NASA Focusing a six-ton, $10 billion space telescope isn’t as simple as turning the focus ring or letting autofocus do its thing. It requires multiple steps of alignment and calibration. That process appears to be going smoothly, though, for… Continue reading How to focus a six-ton space telescope