This is an artist's rendering of the James Webb Space Telescope. The kite-shaped sunshield is the largest component of the telescope. NASA GSFC/CIL/Adriana Manrique Gutierrez hide caption
james webb james webb
Stories About
james webb
NASA's new telescope bears the name of James Webb (center), an influential figure who was appointed by President John F. Kennedy to lead the space agency during the '60s. But some astronomers say discrimination against gay and lesbian government employees during his tenure should preclude him from having a telescope named in his honor. PhotoQuest/Getty Images hide caption
Shadowed by controversy, NASA won't rename its new space telescope
An artist's conception of the James Webb Space Telescope after it has unfolded in space. NASA GSFC/CIL/Adriana Manrique Gutierrez hide caption
NASA's Got A New, Big Telescope. It Could Find Hints Of Life On Far-Flung Planets
Two views of the Eagle Nebula's "Pillars of Creation," both taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. The left shows the pillars in visible light; the right image was taken in infrared light. NASA, ESA/Hubble and the Hubble Heritage Team hide caption