SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-webb-infrared

What kind of light is the James Webb Space Telescope built to detect?

Infrared light, which lets it see through dust clouds.

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  1. X-rays
  2. Infrared light ✔
  3. Radio waves

Why: Webb uses infrared detectors. Infrared light passes through clouds of space dust, so Webb can see stars being born and very old, faraway galaxies.

Huh, didn't know that: Webb launched on December 25, 2021.

The dad joke
Why is Webb so good at hide and seek? It can spot you behind any dust cloud.
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References

Answer: Infrared light. Webb uses infrared detectors. Infrared light passes through clouds of space dust, so Webb can see stars being born and very old, faraway galaxies.

  1. NASA Science, Webb Science Overview science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/science-overview
    Webb's infrared-detecting technology reveals the hidden universe to our eyes
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. NASA Science, James Webb Space Telescope science.nasa.gov/mission/webb
    Webb launched on Dec. 25th 2021.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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