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The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is located at the second Lagrange point, known as L2, approximately 1.5 million kilometers (about 930,000 miles) from Earth, in the direction opposite the Sun. This stable position allows JWST to maintain a constant orbit, balancing the gravitational forces of the Earth and the Sun.
Being at L2 provides JWST with an unobstructed view of the universe, enabling continuous observations without interference from Earth's atmosphere or light pollution. This capability is crucial for capturing high-resolution images and data in the infrared spectrum, allowing scientists to study distant galaxies, star formation, and exoplanet atmospheres in unprecedented detail.
The L2 location aids in thermal management, keeping the telescope's instruments cool and shielded from the Sun's heat.
