What is JWST?

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a space telescope designed primarily for infrared astronomy. As the largest optical telescope in space, JWST's greatly improved infrared resolution and sensitivity allow it to view objects too old, distant, or faint for the Hubble Space Telescope. It is used to study the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets, and to search for potential signs of life in exoplanetary atmospheres.