The James Webb telescope is placed in orbit L2 because it is the perfect location to balance the gravitational pull of the Earth and the Sun. In orbit L2 the James Webb Telescope can float safely and the distance is also ideal against solar radiation.
L2’s orbit, located in Earth’s shadow, is ideal for the James Webb Telescope to observe the solar system and the vast universe. Being in the Earth’s shadow means the telescope can use sun protection.
For that, the James Webb Telescope does not need to be encased in a tube like the Hubble Space Telescope. This is the reason why the James Webb Telescope can use its colossal or large mirror. (Read also; Skip 178 Complex Mechanical Processes, James Webb Telescope’s Giant Mirror Opens Perfectly )
“We know that we are currently keeping JWST in L2 orbit,” said Stefanie Milam, NASA planetary scientist at JWST. In L2’s orbit, ESA’s Gaia space probe, which is tasked with measuring distances to stars, and the Spektr-RG X-ray observatory are already in orbit.
There are other advantages to being at L2, Milam said. For example, being outside Earth’s orbit means avoiding other spacecraft. This includes avoiding most of the space debris debris that could hit the telescope and damage it.
Although there are critics, the position is too far from Earth complicates the process of maintaining the James Webb Telescope. Unlike the Hubble Telescope, whose location in Earth’s orbit makes it easy for NASA to make repairs, including repairing its mirrors.
The position of the James Webb Telescope is not static in orbit L2, but is actually arranged in such a way that it moves in orbit around it. Its orbit will also not be completely stable. The force of solar radiation pressing against the sunshield is able to push it out of place.
Milam explains, the James Webb Telescope requires constant adjustments to stay in place. However, there was a James Webb Telescope operator who looked after and managed it for the next few months. (Read also; James Webb Telescope Sun Shade Opens Perfectly, Next Main Mirror Installation )
“Once the (James Webb) telescope arrives on site on Monday January 24, 2022, they (operators) will start checking to make sure that all the instruments are working. Then, the observation started,” Milam said.
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