ALMA vs James Webb: Which telescope will reveal more about the universe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on comparing the capabilities and contributions of the ALMA and James Webb Space Telescopes (JWST) to our understanding of the universe. It explores their different operational spectrums and potential scientific outputs.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that ALMA consists of a series of radio telescopes and operates alongside optical telescopes, while JWST is specifically an infrared telescope.
  • One participant argues that each telescope is designed for different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, suggesting that there is no competition between them as they serve distinct purposes.
  • A participant questions the unique capabilities of JWST compared to ALMA, referencing a belief that existing optical telescopes have been upgraded with infrared capabilities.
  • Another participant highlights the advantages of JWST being in space, which may allow it to avoid atmospheric distortions, potentially enhancing its observational quality.
  • One post references a comparison of capabilities between JWST and Hubble, noting that JWST may observe the universe at higher redshifts than Hubble can achieve.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the comparison between ALMA and JWST, with some emphasizing their complementary roles rather than direct competition. The discussion remains unresolved regarding which telescope may ultimately provide more insights into the universe.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the specific capabilities of each telescope and the assumptions about their operational environments and technological advancements.

revo74
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What are the differences between these telescopes and which telescope will do more for our understanding of the universe? I know that ALMA is a series (66) radio telescopes, however, it also operates with optical telescopes. James Webb is an infrared telescope.
 
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each is designed to look at different parts of the EM spectrum
as such there is no competetion between them, they each have their own "jobs"

Observing the universe over a broad range of frequencies from low freq RF through IR, visible light and to X-rays and Gamma, gives a better overall picture of what is going on out there


Dave
 
davenn said:
each is designed to look at different parts of the EM spectrum
as such there is no competetion between them, they each have their own "jobs"

Observing the universe over a broad range of frequencies from low freq RF through IR, visible light and to X-rays and Gamma, gives a better overall picture of what is going on out there


Dave

Thanks for the response. Are you aware of any other capabilities James Webb will be able to do that ALMA won't be able to? I read about James Webb and mentioned it to my brother. He said for 8 billion dollars it's a waste of money in light the fact that the Hubble and other optical telescopes are now outfitted with infrared capabilities and that there are other new generation telescopes coming online soon.
 
We could simply judge which one is going to be the best by its fame. The JWST is definitely a great expectation for astronomers and cosmologists. But if we are going to judge by the facts, then we'll have a harder time to compare them because they aren't so alike. A great plus of the JWST is that it will be in space, without the distortions the atmosphere can cause. I can't wait to see what this telescope is going to discover.

cb
 
See http://jwst.nasa.gov/comparison.html for discussion of Hubble capabilities. Among other things, it will permit views of the universe out to around z=20. The Hubble can only reach out to z=9 on the best of days.
 
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