Imaging and Spectroscopy with the James Webb Space Telescope

George Sonneborn (Laboratory for Observational Cosmology, NASA-GSFC)

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a large aperture, cryogenic, infrared-optimized space observatory under construction by NASA, ESA, and CSA for launch in 2018. JWST will find and study the first galaxies that formed in the early universe, and peer through dusty clouds to see star and planet formation at high spatial resolution. The breakthrough capabilities of JWST will enable new studies of star formation and evolution in the Milky Way, including the Galactic Center, and in nearby galaxies. There are instrument modes specifically designed for observing exoplanet transits. Moving target capabiity will allow observations of planets, satellites, asteroids, KBOs, and comets beyond 1 AU.