The launch of the James Webb Space Telescope is almost here. What will we discover?

WAMU 88.5 | By Kathryn Fink

Published December 20, 2021 at 8:11 AM EST

It’s been more than 20 years since scientists set their sights on creating a successor for the Hubble telescope.

Now, the James Webb Space Telescope — a $10 billion infrared instrument — is set to launch one million miles away from Earth on Dec. 24.

What will it help us discover? And what’s at stake?

We meet one of the head scientists behind the telescope — plus, three astronomers whose future work hinges on the discoveries of the mission.

Kathryn Fink

Kathryn Fink is a producer with NPR's All Things Considered.

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